Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
drowned
Heavy-duty trucks ranging from 50-70tons are being imported and allowed to traverse the streets of Georgetown daily
The trucks, which ply mainly the Lethem-Georgetown route have caused severe damage to the road infrastructures
over time. Most of the roads here were built to accommodate lighter vehicles, but have had to contend with these heavy-duty machines. Government has been spending
infrastructure.
Vishal Narine
after jumping into the Demerara River, Dead: Deon Baird
‘Borrowing is a must’ - Guyana’s Finance Minister tells
Borrowing money is key
to a country’s economic growth, Guyana’s Senior Minister in the Office of the P r e s i d e n t w i t h Responsibility for Finance, D r A s h n i S i n g h t o l d attendees at the recently c o n c l u d e d E n e r g y Conference in Guyana.
M i n i s t e r S i n g h
e m p h a s i z e d t h a t t h e government is engaging in borrowing responsibly while m a i n t a i n i n g f i s c a l sustainability. The minister also pointed out that the country’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) holds enough money to clear Guyana’s external debt.
“ A l l o f y o u a r e i n business, you know that you don’t build a business, you don’t build a country, you don’t build household wealth by saying, ‘I’m not going to borrow a single dollar,’” the minister stated.
He continued, “I don’t think there’s anybody in the room here who has ever built anything without borrowing. I don’t believe any of us. There are very few of us who will buy our first home without borrowing, or even our first car There are very few of us who will build a business without borrowing, and there’s certainly scarcely a country that I can think of that has not contracted debt. But we must do so in a sustainable manner.”
Highlighting Guyana’s f i s c a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, t h e minister referenced data on the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio, which he said had significantly improved over the years.
“You have in Guyana, a n d y o u h a v e i n t h i s government led by President Irfaan Ali, a country and a government that has a long track record of responsible economic management,” he stated.
Dr Singh outlined that Guyana’s debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 24.3% at the end of 2024, making it the second l o w e s t i n t h e We s t e r n Hemisphere. “Long before o i l w a s d i s c o v e r e d , Guyana’s debt-to-GDP ratio was already brought down to 3 8 7 % To d a y, G u y a n a ’s debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 24.3%, the second lowest in t h e e n t i r e W e s t e r n Hemisphere,” he said.
Providing a breakdown of the country’s external debt, the minister pointed out that at the end of 2024, the external debt stood at just over US$2.2 billion. “At the end of 2024, our external d e b t i s j u s t o v e r U S $ 2 billion. In 1992, our external
Energy Conference
…says Govt. is doing so responsibly
debt was more than US$2 billion, but if you looked at the size of our economy, our economy today is more than 40 times the size of our economy in 1992,” Dr Singh stated.
To this end, he noted that Guyana’s NRF had amassed a substantial balance by the end of 2024.
“At the end of 2024, we had saved in our Natural R e s o u r c e F u n d , p a r k e d safely and being managed
Directors, US$3.1 billion. What does that mean? What that means, essentially, is that we have enough money in the Natural Resource Fund to pay off our country’s entire external debt and still have more than half a billion US dollars left,” the senior minister said.
While highlighting the
management, the minister reiterated that Guyana is
trajectory
Even though the minister
availability of funds in the NRF, it should be noted that
withdraw US$2.5 billion to support its US$6.6 billion budget for 2025. At the end of 2024, Guyana’s overall debt had grown to nearly US$6 billion, standing at US$5.9 billion.
Guyana’s Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh
Kaieteur News
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.
Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456
Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
ExxonMobil’s new pipeline
Guyanese are being given insights on strategic vision and forward planning by ExxonMobil. There are six offshore oil projects already approved by the Government of Guyana, with some in constant operational mode, a seventh is in line for approval.
And, believe it or not, Guyana’s oil partner has already given its first indications of an eighth one coming up. Rapid fire, these projects have been, with the senior executives and country managers of ExxonMobil all in lockstep with one objective in mind.
It is how to surpass, or at least to maintain, recent and current profit levels. But this American oil and gas behemoth is not on top of the oil by accident or good luck. ExxonMobil works hard, challenges itself to perform at higher and higher levels, and that is why it is king of the global oil kingdom. The ever-opportunistic ExxonMobil has studied Guyana more than many of this country’s leaders, and so it now unveils its latest brainchild. A pipeline to transport gas from its offshore fields to Berbice.
The longer and costlier and more demanding it is, the more likely it is that ExxonMobil will reap another sweet bonanza, from passive Guyana. It is a country with a g o v e r n m e n t t h a t s e e m i n g l y b l i n d l y a c c e p t s m o s t developments coming out of ExxonMobil’s fertile brain. More oil projects are in the best interests of ExxonMobil, so they can be considered done, already in the bag. Despite the public posturing of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, with his dodges and his cunning words, if it is a new oil project, it is over even before Darren Woods and Alistair Routledge raise the issue with him.
It is a portrait of a docile government and an even more docile oil leader Jagdeo finds every excuse in the book not to employ a little commonsense bargaining with these oil projects being lined up for approval. Shaky and shabby he has been, when the call is for him to fight for more for Guyana from its oil patrimony It has been the same with Guyana’s own meters at ExxonMobil’s production sites to monitor what is going on with the nation’s oil, if only to ensure that what the company reports as being produced is, in fact, so.
Now the planners at the company, who are always on the lookout on ways to leverage the Guyana investment, have set their eyes on a gas pipeline to transport gas to citizens living in Berbice. What is best for the bottom line of ExxonMobil is what is guaranteed to be. How much gas could the Berbice market consume, and which would justify the money to be spent on such a pipeline? According to ExxonMobil’s Guyana President, Alistair Routledge, an alumina plant, a fertilizer plant, and a Data Center (with AI featuring heavily) will all be significant users of the gas to be piped to Berbice. The supporting onshore facilities, when completed, will need 120-million-cubic feet of gas daily Also, alumina and fertilizer plants require a constant supply of considerable volumes of gas to manage their operations, plus there’s an export component. Those are good selling points, and most likely music to the ears of those who flocked to the Guyana Energy Conference at the Marriott Hotel ExxonMobil is setting up itself with what looks like another US billion-dollar project Profits from laying the pipeline, potential profits from maintaining or acting as consultants on the associated facilities, and a cut for itself from monetising the gas It is how business works, how corporate executives are never at a standstill, are always on the hunt for a new income stream In contrast, there is Guyana’s PPPC government that is in control of the people’s wealth, but is as contented as an overfed cat It is too pleased with itself over hidden truths (expenses, Wales gas-to-shore, and more), and not doing anything to earn the disfavor of the American company In such circumstances, the US State Department, even the White House, may have a say, which would be the last thing that government leaders wish to hear ExxonMobil is on a roll, with project after project initiated. Guyana is stuck in the same place, waiting to collect pittances with a happy face.
Those comments by Ralph Ramkarran
DEAR EDITOR,
I am appalled at Ralph Ramkarran’s blatant attempt
Requirements and National Development” in Stabroek News (February 23, 2025).
Chapter II’s Principles and Bases of the Constitution as a fig leaf to justify unlimited government access to the Natural Resource Fund is particularly disturbing.
Here, we have a Senior C
The
culture, even Mashramani
o p m e n t p r i o r i t i e s f o r f u n d withdrawals. By this tortured logic, since the Constitution addresses general economic development, virtually any g o v e r n m e n t e x p e n d i t u r e i n c l u d i n g r o u t i n e s a l a r y
p a y m e n t s b e c o m e s a
“ n a t i o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t priority.” This transparent attempt to render the Natural R e s o u r c e F u n d A c t ’ s
r e s t r i c t i o n s m e a n i n g l e s s comes, not coincidentally, j u s t d a y s a f t e r a c o u r t challenge was filed. But this is just the latest e x a m p l e o f R a m k a r r a n ’s remarkable transformation from occasional critic to r e l i a b l e g o v e r n m e n t apologist.
H i s l e g a l a n a l y s e s , i n c r e a s i n g l y d r a p e d i n c o n s t i t u t i o n a l r e f e
whatever the government desires.
What drives a Senior
Commercialization and
C o u n
s t fundamental constitutional principles into a blank check for government spending? T h e
deserve better than such
expedience, he undermines public discourse and the constitutional principles he claims to defend.
Sincerely
Pt. Ubraj Narine
Decline of Mashramani: A Cultural Betrayal from Within
DEAR EDITOR,
I
y acknowledge an oversight in my previous criticisms of the
Mashramani.
W h i l e i t i s w e l ldocumented that the PPP/C once sought to weaken the festival, the reality is they did not succeed in doing so alone.
The greater blame lies with Hits and Jams (HJ), a weak opposition, and the Afro-Guyanese community i t s e l f f o r a l l o w i n g t h e festival to be eroded from within.
Mashramani is more than j u s t a n a n n u a l celebration—it is a symbol o f G u y a n a ’ s p o s ti n d e p e n d e n c e n a t i o n a l identity, rooted in the AfroG u y a n e s e s t
u g g l e f o r c u l t u r a l a n d p o l i t i c a l recognition. Yet, over time, it has been stripped of its meaning and replaced with a
profit over tradition.
o -
G u y a n e s e p r o m o t e r s w h o c h o s e f i n a n c i a l g a i n o v e r c u l t u r a l p r e s e r v a t i
n c e j u s t a n o t h e r e n t e r t a i n m e n t e n t i t y, h a s u s e d i t s p o l i t i c a l a ff i l i a t i o n s t o m o n o p o l i z e t h e e n t e r t a i n m e n t i n d u s t r y w h i l e u n d e r m i n i n g M a s h r a m a n i T h e i r s h i f t f r o m t r a d i t i o n a l M a s h r a m a n i e l e m e n t s s u c h a s c a l y p s o , s t e e l p a n , a n d m a s q u e r a d e b a n d s t o d a n c e h a l l a n d
c a r n i v a l - t h e m e d e v e n t s i s o n e
h e m o s t b l
n t a c t s o f c u l t u r a l b e t r a y a l i n r e c e n t G u y a n e s e h i s t o r y
I n s t e a d o f s t r e n g t h e n i n g l o c a l s o c a a n d c a l y p s o m u s i c , t h e y
p r i o r i t i z e d J a m a i c a n
d a n c e h a l l , a l i e n a t i n g t h e v e r y c u l t u r a l e x p r e s s i o n s
M a s h r a m a n i w a s b u i l t t o
c e l e b r a t e R a t h e r t h a n i n v e s t i n g i n c o m m u n i t yd r i v e n e v e n t s , t h e y f o c u s e d o n e l i t e , p r o f i td r i v e n p a r t i e s , t u r n i n g
M a s h r a m a n i i n t o a n e x c u s e f o r c o m m e r c i a l n i g h t l i f e r a t h e r t h a n a n a t i o n a l f e s t i v a l
H J h a s b e n e f i t e d f r o m
g o v e r n m e n t c o n t r a c t s a n d
f a v o r a b l e p o l i c i e s w h i l e
a c t i v e l y s i d e l i n i n g l o c a l a r t i s t s a n d c u l t u r a l a d v o c a t e s w h o h a v e c a l l e d
f o r t h e r e v i v a l o f
t r a d i t i o n a l e l e m e n t s T h i s i s n o t a c a s e o f p o l i t i c a l
s u p p r e s s i o n i t i s a c a s e
o f s e l f - i n f l i c t e d c u l t u r a l a b a n d o n m e n t H i t s a n d
J a m s d i d n o t h i j a c k
M a s h r a m a n i o n t h e i r o w n ;
A f r o - G u y a n e s e w i l l i n g l y
s u p p o r t e d t h e m , f u n d e d
t h e i r e v e n t s , a n d i g n o r e d
t h e i r d e s t r u c t i o n o f a
c u l t u r a l l e g a c y. T h e d e c l i n e o f Mashramani is also a direct result of the failure of the opposition.
In previous decades, a
s t r o n g A f r o - G u y a n e s e
o p p o s i t i o n s u c c e s s f u l l y defended cultural traditions, ensuring that attempts to e r a s e o r d i m i n i s h Mashramani failed.
But today, the opposition is fragmented, silent, and ineffective.
When APNU+AFC held power, they had a golden o p p o r t u n i t y t o r e s t o r e Mashramani to its original grandeur Instead, they:
- Failed to invest in AfroG u y a n e s e c u l t u r a l preservation despite years of a c c u s i n g t h e P P P / C o f undermining it.
- Did not counteract the r i s e o f c o m m e r c i a l
entertainment monopolies like Hits and Jams, allowing them to take full control.
- Showed no political will to organize and mobilize t h e c o m m u n i t y a r o u n d cultural heritage.
An opposition that was once the guardian of AfroGuyanese cultural identity has now become a passive observer
T h e y c a n n o t c r e d i b l y
c r i t i c i z e t h e P P P / C w h e n
t h e y t h e m s e l v e s n e g l e c t e d
t o a c t w h e n t h e y h a d t h e
p o w e r to do so. Perhaps the most uncomfortable truth is that we, as Afro-Guyanese,
a r e c o m p l i c i t i n t h e
d e s t r u c t i o n o f o u r o w n culture. We:
- C o n t i n u e t o a t t e n d
a n d s u p p o r t e v e n t s t h a t
e r a s e o u r t r a d i t i o n s w h i l e
c o m p l a i n i n g a b o u t t h e i r
d i s a p p e arance.
- S p e n d m o n e y o n e n t e r t a i n m e n t t h a t d o e s n o t h i n g t o u p l i f t o u r
c o m m u n i t y w h i l e f a i l i n g t o s u p p o r t c u l t u r a l initiatives.
- R e f u s e t o o r g a n i z e
r e s i s t a n c e a g a i n s t t h o s e a c t i v e l y d i s m a n t l i n g
M a s h r a m a n i ’ s m e a n i n g , u n l i k e o t h e r
c o m m u n i t i e s w h o h a v e s u c c e s s f u l ly defended their cultural identity
W h e n t h e H i n d u
c o m m u n i t y p r o t e s t e d t h e u s e o f D i w a l i f o r p a r t y p r o m o t i o n s , t h e y s u c c e e d e d i n s t o p p i n g i t Ye t , w h e n d a n c e h a l l w a s f o r c e d i n t o Mashramani celebrations, t h e r e w a s n o c o l l e c t i v e r e s i s t a n c e f r o m A f r o -
Guyanese Instead, many embraced it, helping erase their own history in the process.
Wa l t e r R o d n e y o n c e w a r n e d a g a i n s t A f r oG u y a n e s e l e a d e r s a n d e l i t e s w h o a c t i n t h e i r o w n i n t e r e s t s w h i l e f a i l i n g t h e w i d e r
c o m m u n i t y To d a y, H i t s a n d J a m s , a n d t h o s e w h o e n a b l e t h e m , a r e a p e r f e c t e x a m p l e o f t h i s b e t r a y a l I f w e t
- Push the opposition to take a stronger stance on
complaints.
- Support local soca, steel pan, and calypso artists to rebuild the musical legacy of Mashramani.
- Educate young people about Mashramani’s true history and the importance o f p r e s e r v i n g A f
oGuyanese culture.
- Hold government and private entities accountable f o r n e g l e c t i n g c u l t u r a l investments while favoring commercial entertainment. T h i s i s n o t a b o u t absolving the PPP/C of their p
w e a k e n Mashramani, but rather an acknowledgment that they did not succeed in erasing it—our own community is now doing the job for them. Hits and Jams has been the
t because they were forced to
A
oGuyanese allowed them to be. If we truly believe in c
must stop complaining, stop blaming, and start acting. Mashramani belongs to all Guyanese, but it is up to us to protect it.
Sincerely,
Nakisha Allen IVLP Alumni
Immediate,
independent
probe needed in the tragic death of Ms. Michal Wallerson
DEAR EDITOR
T h e B a r t i c a U n i t e d Youth Development Group (BUYDG) is respectfully urging the Government of G
investigation into the tragic and sudden death of Ms. M
, B S N , RN, a dedicated nurse at the Bartica Regional Hospital.
Ms. Wallerson tragically passed away on December 29, 2024, after reportedly being denied proper medical care following a 12-hour night shift at the hospital. According to her family, she was unable to walk unaided and was discharged from the h o s p i t a l ’ s
m
g e n c y department without a clear diagnosis.
Less than 24 hours later, Ms. Wallerson was found
d e c e a s e d a t h e r h o m e , leading to grave concerns a b o u t t h e c i r c u m s t a n c e s surrounding her death.
The BUYDG is calling f o r a n
h i s m a t t e r, w h i c h s h o u l d
e a n
n d e p
n d
n t b o d y o f medical professionals, legal experts, and representatives f r o m i n t e r n a t i o n a l organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the
Organization of American States (OAS), and the World H e a l t h O r g a n i z a t i o n (WHO).
This investigation must be conducted to ensure full a c c o u n t a b i l i t y a n d t r a n s p a r e n c y, a d d r e s s i n g any potential negligence or wrongdoing.
If the investigation finds that the actions or inactions o f t h e s t a t e o r i t s representatives contributed to Ms. Wallerson’s untimely death, we call for those
r e s p o n s i b l e t o b e h e l d
a c c o u n t a b l e a n d p l a c e d before a court of law to face appropriate charges.
We also request that the independent investigation body recommend measures to safeguard against future incidents of this nature and improve medical care and practices at Bartica Regional H o s p i t a l a n d o t h e r healthcare facilities across the country
Should the allegations against the medical staff be proven true, the treatment of Ms. Wallerson raises serious concerns.
H o w c a n t h e
g o v e r n m e n t ’ s m e d i c a l administration treat its own staff in such a manner?
This incident brings into q u e s t i o n h o w o r d i n a r y
patients are being treated at the facility The matter must
y actions, including dismissal, demotion, charges, and court action, where applicable. W
release the rules and systems governing emergency cases
alleged failure of the doctor and staff to assist a sick person upon arrival at the hospital.
Furthermore, how can a
b e discharged while still not f
investigation.
Based on the findings of the investigation, BUYDG respectfully requests that the
alignment with international
gravity of the case and the
community.
Ms. Wallerson was a well-respected, disciplined,
and professional member of the Bartica community and a v a l u e d m e m b e r o f t h e BUYDG.
Her sudden passing is a significant loss to her family, friends, and the community a t l a rg e , p a r t i c u l a r l y i n Region 7.
O n b e h a l f o f t h e BUYDG, we extend our deepest condolences to Ms. W a l l e r s o n ’ s f a m i l y , relatives, and friends, as well as to the residents of Bartica and Region 7. We also offer our heartfelt sympathy to her colleagues in the healthcare profession, who have lost a d e d i c a t e d a n d c a r i n g individual.
This call to action is not n e w B U Y D G h a s l o n g advocated for the betterment of public health and justice i n o u r r e g i o n We a r e committed to ensuring that this matter is addressed fairly and swiftly
We trust that the Minister o f H e a l t h a n d t h e Government of Guyana will act swiftly to initiate this independent investigation and address the concerns raised by Ms. Wallerson’s family, which is supported by the BUYDG.
Regards
T h e B a r t i c a U n i t e d Youth Development Group
DEAR EDITOR
T h e m a n c o l l e c t h e hundred thousand and buy a bull and the next day the Bishop’s faulty pole fall on it and kill it. The PPP like dem cursed. Nothing dem doing ain’t wukkin out.
Another man collect he hundred grand yesterday and it done today.
He seh he waan know if
he dream he collect de money cause he wake and it done. Meh pretty journalist fren thinking bout flying back from Barbados and collect she own but she gaffa fly back to Bim same day fuh
continue she conference
The airline seh she return ticket mo expensive than wuh she coming back fuh collect.
A n o t h e r l a d y c o l l e c t a n d r u n t o C o u r t s f u h p a y
o f f f u h s h e l e a t h e r c o u c h a n d C o u r t s t e l l s h e i s b e t s s h e d i n a s k M o h a m e d ’s
f u h s e t t l e s h e b i l l A s i s t e r f r o m t h e
B i s h o p ’s c h u r c h w a s t o l d
s h e g a f f a t h r o w i n t h e o f f e r i n g b o w l m o r e t h a n
s h e c o l l e c t J a g d e o
c o l l e c t h e o w n a n d b u y t w o r o u n d s f u h h e
s e c u r i t y d e t a i l s a t P a l m
C o u r t a n d d e b i l l c o m e u p
t o a h u n d r e d a n d t w e n t y
t h o u s a n d W h e n S u t u r n u p f u h h e c a s h g r a n t t h e l a d y
h a n d i n g o u t s e h J a g d e o j u s t t u r n u p o u t s i d e S u r u n a n d l e f t h e c h e q u e s a y i n g h e c o u l d l
and drive fast past Melanie, if yuh see dust and by the time he bank the corner, the sign seh “welcome to Bam Bam Alley” He send he driver fuh ask if the prices is same as yesterday
Sincerely
Norman Browne
Activist
Legislative efforts to improve business landscape in Guyana
DEAR EDITOR
T h e G e o r g e t o w n Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) commends the Government of Guyana
on
y legislative initiatives taken to improve the business and
e
Guyana— particularly the introduction of the Financial Institutions Act, the Security I
Property Act and Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes (Amendment) Act.
legislative initiatives as being crucial to driving development and economic grow
interest in Guyana, there is a need for a well-regulated
particularly
view
Micro, Small and Mediumsized Enterprises (MSME), has also long advocated for increased access to finance for small-scale businesses.
The Security Interests in
such as
inventory, crops, livestock and intellectual property to be used as
noted with satisfaction the
Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes Bill to allow
acquired by the State for the
projects.
This legislative measure to ensure that landowners are treated in an
and
The GCCI fully supports
development of the business
lyst for the development of enterprises in Guyana and a driver of economic growth.
The Chamber has also
advancement of Guyana’s economy
Regards
G
of Commerce and Industry
US expands visa restrictions on Cubans tied to labor export program
A view of Cuban and U.S. flags beside the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, M
Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The United States has expanded an existing visa restriction policy to t
l s believed to be tied to a labor program that sends Cuban w o r k e r s
workers, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday
In a statement, Rubio s a i d t h e e x p a n
individuals and immediate f a
individuals believed to be responsible for the program, w h i c h h e d e s c r i b e
s “forced labor.” The U.S. has already
added.
Th
C
enrich the Cuban regime, and in the case of Cuba’s overseas medical
ions, deprive ordinary Cubans of
desperately need in their home country,” Rubio said.
The Cuban government d
respond to a request for comment
The United States and Cuba have had a strained r e l a
F
d
Castro took over in a 1959 revolution, and a U S trade embargo has been in place for decades
Over US$800M in vaccines, medicines procured by PAHO’s
Regional Revolving Funds in 2024
The Regional Revolving Funds of t h e P a n A m e r i c a n H e a l t h Organization (PAHO) announced its main achievements of 2024, including countries of the Americas increasing their investment in vaccines, medicines, and health technologies via the Fund compared to 2023.
Among its 2024 Milestones, the Regional Revolving Funds, a pooled procurement mechanism that enables countries of the Americas to purchase high-quality vaccines, medicines and other health technologies at competitive prices, highlighted the purchase of 224 million vaccine doses. Currently, thirty-two countries and territories of the region access at least 80% of their total need for vaccines and related supplies through the funds.
The Funds also purchased over 10 million diagnostic tests, including rapid tests for the swift diagnosis of diseases such as HIV, malaria, and leishmaniasis, among others, as
“Ensuring that countries of the Americas have access to the vaccines, essential medical supplies and equipment necessary to promote the health of their populations is crucial to building sustainable health care systems in the region,” Santiago Cornejo, Executive Manager, Regional Revolving Funds at PAHO said.
The PAHO Revolving Funds has been key to facilitating the provision of more cutting
edge, high-cost medicines to the Region.
The Fund recently joined the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, a joint initiative between the World Health Organization (WHO) and St
cancer medicines The first country in the region to receive these medicines was Ecuador
The Funds are also a crucial means through which to support the regional p
medical supplies. In January this year, PAHO, the Government of Argentina, and the pharmaceutical company Sinergium Biotech announced a joint effort to facilitate local production and regional access to the new 20valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20).
This inclusion, together with the analysis of the epidemiological context in each country, will help reduce the regional burden
children, people with comorbidities and the elderly “The lessons learned from the pandemic show us that supporting regional production is essential to building a more resilient region and fostering economic
manufacturers with a ready-made consumer base, and ensuring that countries can access these goods at competitive prices is key to achieving this.”
ALP calls for protection of abused women and children, str ict enforcement of laws
The Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), a party headed by former Minister, S i m o n a B r o o m e s i s c a l l i n g o n t h e government and other stakeholders to protect women and victims of abuse by the strict enforcement of the law Broomes hosted a press conference and picketing exercise in front the Ministry of Human Services and S o c i a l S e c u r i t y ’ s L a m a h a S t r e e t , Georgetown. The ALP leader told Kaieteur News that she is disgusted by the prevalence of abuse and violence against women and children. “I call it murder against women and our girls because I think we are looking at rape now in a way like it’s a Nancy story, it is really affecting our young girls, it is really affecting society, the level of violence in home how it is spreading,” she said.
Broomes, who was joined by other members of her party, said it is critical that women and children are protected and the issue at hand must not be swept under the carpet. “I think it is something that goes beyond, we do have a lot of laws, we have polices while we are looking to reform some, we are still saying that of the policies that we have in place and laws, it must be enforced not to come after to provide service or to help but to prevent,” she explained. The ALP leader told Kaieteur News that lots of cases were brought to her and she has been assisting those persons. “We ourselves as a movement, the ALP, we are dealing with some cases that we have gone through the system and nothing has happened and we wouldn’t allow that to happen, it is our objective we believe our children have a right to live and to play in green spaces and to be able to grow and we will stand,” she affirmed.
Broomes stressed that there have been too many instances where the system has failed victims and pushed them to have their voices heard publicly She said Guyana has too many resources for victims not to be assisted.
“We believe that one is one too many and as a movement we stand resolute against these matters, we have the resilience, we understand what is needed and we are not here only to identify what is not happening but also
Leader of Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), Simona Broomes on Tuesday in a picketing exercise in front the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security office on Lamaha Street, Georgetown.
to recommend because protection is equally important for all of us. So, I am calling on the government and all the stakeholders. We are ready to meet, to talk at any time, to meet with the Minister of Social Services, to meet with the Minister of Home Affairs, to meet with the Commissioner of Police, to share ideas as to what is happening.”
Further, Broomes said that those in authority sitting in offices are not aware of the magnitude of the situation. “It is people like us who are on the ground to tell you if your polices are working and how well they are working, it’s not how much stats you collect and how many you received,” she pointed out. The ALP leader said that the matter is not a political one but one that requires national involvement. “No one person can fix this, (but) all of us,” Broomes declared while calling on the government to do more.
[You have] “a big responsibility because you are sitting in the seat of the state, you have the resources, you are in charge of the policy, you are in charge of the implementation of what is happening,” she stated.
Kingston and Yarrowkabra
Transparency International is part of an imperialist agenda
La c k o f t r a n s p a r e n c y i s not a measure of
c o r r u p t i o n , j u s t a s h o w inequality is not a measure of poverty
It is therefore a mistake for anyone to assume that because a country ranks lowly when it comes to
g l o b a l m e a s u r e s o f
transparency, this means corruption is rampant.
E q u a t i n g l a c k o f
t r a n s p a r e n c y w i t h corruption becomes more suspect when dealing with
t h e f i n d i n g s o f a n
o r g a n i z a t i o n s u c h a s Transparency International, whose annual Corruption
P e r c e p t i o n s I n d e x ( C P I ) does not measure corruption,
b u t i s m e r e l y a h i g h l y
contestable index of the perception of corruption.
T h e s e r i o u s f l a w s inherent in the Corruption
P e r c e p t i o n s I n d e x w e r e
u n m a s k e d y e a r s a g o b y
Staffan Anderson and Paul Heywood in their article “The Politics of Perception:
U s e a n d A b u s e o f
T r a n s p a r e n c y International’s Approach to Measuring Corruption.”
T h e s e t w o w r i t e r s identified a number of flaws in the CPI produced by Transparency International ( T I ) A n d e r s s o n a n d
H e y w o o d i n d i c a t e t h a t firstly, the CPI does not
m e a s u r e i n c i d e n t s o f c o r r u p t i o n b u t r a t h e r perceptions of corruption.
S e c o n d l y, t h e C P I i s a
composite index derived from a number of surveys for which there is no common methodology
One can add to these criticisms that these surveys
d o n o t m e a s u r e t h e
perceptions of Guyanese towards corruption in their c o u n t r y , b
o r g a n i z a t i o n s , n o n e o f whom can be said to have any interest in Guyana. If the C P I w a s b a s e d o n t h e
perceptions of Guyanese towards corruption in their country, Guyana would have ranked far lower.
The CPI produced by Transparency International s h o u l d b e d i s m i s s e d outright. It certainly flows from a flawed methodology and cannot be said to truly measure corruption. Nor can i t b e s a i d t o b e a representative perception of the lack of transparency in Guyana.
T h e r e a r e o t h e r limitations that support the view that the CPI is really a bogus index. For one, the definition of corruption used b y T r a n s p a r e n c y International – misuse of power for private gain –e n c o u r a g e s a n a l m o s t exclusive focus on public corruption.
Yet years ago, in the very week when Transparency
International released its index, a major US bank agreed on a billion-dollar
s e t t l e m e n t f o r a l l e g e d money laundering activities
of its Mexican-based branch.
And when one considers t h a t m a j o r p r i v a t e corporations were entrapped in major corruption scandals and Ponzi schemes, then, h a d a m u c h b r o a d e r definition of corruption been used to account for private corruption, America may have been listed as the most corrupt country in the world.
It is not so recorded in
T r a n s p a r e n c y International’s CPI because that organization is part of an imperialist agenda to deepen e c o n o m i c a n d p o l i t i c a l liberalization in developing countries.
It is well established that liberal economies demand more openness so that the d
increase their economic and political penetration.
More openness requires
capital: both foreign and domestic.
T
transparency has become a p
certain norms, under the rubric of good governance.
T
interests of the rich countries by facilitating the opening up of the economies of poor countries because capitalism k
consumption abroad.
The capitalist countries a
DEM BOYS SEH
Road buildin’ tur nin’ into r oad br eakin’
Dem boys seh when dem old people build dem road in de past, dem had one thing in mind—horse cart, donkey cart, cars and li’l Bedford truck. Nobody never dream seh one day dem same road got to carry 50-ton monster truck like if we got highway like America.
In de States, dem got special road fuh dem big, bad truck. Yuh can’t just drive dem anywhere. Weight limit serious, and if yuh try bruk de law, yuh get fine till yuh eye water come. But in Guyana? Is open season pon dem road. Anything wah got wheel could pass. From lil bicycle to truck wah look like it born in de mines.
Dem road can’t tek de pressure. As fast as government build, dem got to repair Yuh hear big announcement: “New road open!” Next thing yuh hear? “Contract award fuh fix de same road.” Is like we playin’ one game—who could mash up road fastest.
happened in Russia – and one can now add Guyana –where there have emerged p o w e r f u l e c o n o m i c oligarchies.
The way to avoid this in other liberalizing economies is to encourage regulatory reforms as part of a good governance enterprise. And critical to these reforms is the insistence on greater accountability, which means fair and open competition.
B u t f a i r c o m p e t
m u l t i n a t i o n a l s a n d l o c a l monopolies. In this way, the call for greater transparency in the award of contracts serves the interests of the p o w e r f u l e c o n o m i c enterprises.
Good governance is also about promoting democratic government. It is argued that the more accountable the government is, the more responsive it is likely to be towards its citizens.
greater democratization is that liberalization of the
democratic framework.
Without a democratic political system, economic l i b e r a l i
s u c h a s Transparency International, while genuinely seeking to ensure that there is reduced corruption worldwide, has Disclaimer line
(The views expressed in this article are those of the
opinions of this newspaper.) become entrapped in this imperialist agenda.
B
organizations such as TI, is
international organizations such as the World Bank, the IMF, the Security Council of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. C
voice in these organizations.
The absence of this voice makes these organizations less responsive to the needs of developing countries and thus, less transparent. But for all the NGOs around promoting greater
developing any indices that
international organizations
countries.
International would
towards democratizing these international organizations, rather than being used as an instrument for imperialist domination.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the
opinions of this newspaper.)
Somebody seh dem road like lil children foot—growing but always need patch. One time yuh see fresh asphalt, next time yuh pass, yuh dodging crater. People start wondering if we building road fuh drive or fuh train astronauts in zero gravity
Dem boys seh is time fuh serious weight limit pon dem road. Mek dem big truck use proper bypass and industrial road. If we nah do that, we gon keep spending big money fuh build road, only fuh dem break up before de ribbon-cutting tape dry
One man seh is not road building we doing, is road recycling. Every year, same contract, same repair, same excuse.
Dem boys seh Guyana need fuh decide—if we building road fuh last or building dem fuh bruk up. Right now, all we doing is paving de way fuh more patchwork! Talk half. Leff half!
H@RD TRUTHS
From MAGA to GIGA
While over in Trump land MAGA (Make America Great Again) is all the rage, right here by the equator, it is all GIGA. Never heard of it?
Oh, how could the PPP Government of Ali and Barry and Ashni do so poorly, and keep this grand development such a closed secret! I do the
h o n o r s , w i t h s p e c i a l permission from Excellency Ali, as his new PR Fuhrer
Welcome to GIGA, i e , Guyana is Great Already Eat your hearts out Donny and Modi. While the US wrestles with the challenges of MAGA, GIGA is a done deal here. Guyana was
yesterday, GIGA today, and, well, the rest is as familiar as
Here’s the story; it is rather spoofy Spooky, too. Come hither, is the siren call to the shores of Guyana. Tariffs concerns, what are they and where are they?
Let’s make a deal if any is found. See what I mean, this is a place to do business, and as easy as a, b, c, thanks to A l i , B a r r y, A s h n i , a n d Godfrey I was tempted for a moment to throw in Aubrey,
but better sense prevailed. Want all red tape waived? Just take American Airlines to the Cheddi Jagan Int’l. Though there are lots of passengers, there are no lines. Americans go to the front of any line, if they go a n y w h e r e a t a l l , e x c e p t straight up the bank. Not the East Bank, but one of the stronger commercial ones. The foreign exchange rate is inspiring and the service is remarkable.
An American passport and American accent are considered as feathers in the cap by the natives. Oh, there is also American TV, all 500
channels of them, for the d e m a n d i n g , p l u s a g o l f course for the white man’s sport and a little business d i s c u s s i o n o n t h e s i d e What’s a little chat about this and that among prospective friends? It explains why so many Guyanese are now avid golfers. It is goodbye to wickets and cricket and welcome to handicaps and eagles and birdies, and lest I forget, that 18th hole. It doubles as a watering hole for some good ole 15-yearold. To be clear, I refer to a g e d r u m a n d n o t t h e youthful fare for which some members of the PPP inner circle are famous. These are tiny snapshots of what has made Guyana the talk of the w o r l d : G u y a n a i s G r e a t
Already Ali the Great made that possible. Jagdeo the Juggernaut has done more than his share. See why I love these guys, and they me?
For the impatient, I am getting to the sweet stuff. Taxes. Ever hear of zero t a x e s ? O r t a x e v a s i o n legalized? Guyana is where that action is. Ever hear about rules and regulations made to disappear? Guyana a g a i n , a n d t h e r e i s t h e
n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o t e c t i o n Agency (EPA) standing as living, breathing proof. The EPA here is so unreal as to be unbelievable One very
wise, and very American oilman (who else could it be?) said that royalties and profits represent taxes. He w a s s o s m o o t h t h a t h e polished his narrative with w o r d s f r o m t h a t o l d superpower, the Romans How about “in lieu of?” My head may be hard, but I am learning, getting with the program.
Journal One more thing: it is but a short hop, skip, and jump from GT to Caracas. M o r e o p p o r t u n i t y f o r A m e r i c a n b u s i n e s s i n Guyana, this time airlines.
GIGA-Guyana is Great
Already [with a bow to Ali] and I want my share of that action. Got my red shirt, red cap, and I am a backer of the Red Devils. No! not the PPP, b u t M a n c h e s t e r U n i t e d When that group struggle, I am pained. Now, that is loyalty!
W h o w o u l d h a v e a problem with no taxes and no regs? Which foreigner, p r a y ? W h o c o u l d s e e a n y t h i n g w r o n g w i t h approval in hand for full r e p
o
profits and other income raised on the side? Thinking of repatriation of moolah made in Guyana, it is time that an American banking presence takes up residence here.
How about it, Jamie? If Exxon and Chevron, why not JP Morgan? Lots of business h e r e ; t h e A m e r i c a n component of it alone would be good for those quarterly earnings report watched so keenly by the Wall Street
S e e w h a t I m e a n , a businessman’s paradise right h e r e T h e l a d i e s a r e welcome, too. Come to Guyana. Don’t be lured by the rest. Guyana is Great Already This is where the fast money is. There is big money to be easily made here. Money in the hills. M o n e y i n t h e v a l l e y s Money in the streets. Just be ready to agree to the usual cut. Look at what the new White House orchestrated: lesser standards for bribery o f f o r e i g n o f f i c i a l s Especially those housed on Robb Street and the old New Garden Street; that is where the big hitters and those with greasy palms and syrupy a m b i t i o n s a r e i n t h e i r numbers.
My mind is now made up: I cannot let this rich gravy train pass me by, like if goat bite me. I add my voice: Guyana is Great Already GIGA! Hiya!
(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t n e c e s s a r i l y r e f l e c t t h e opinions of this newspaper.)
Israel looks to extend phase one of Gaza truce as long-term deal proves elusive
J E R U S A L E M / D O H A , F e b 25 (Reuters) - Israel is considering an extension of the 42-day truce in Gaza as it seeks to bring home the
r e m a i n i n g 6 3 h o s t a g e s , w h i l e putting off agreement on the future of the enclave for now, Israeli officials said.
T
h e i n i t i a l p h a s e o f t h e ceasefire deal, launched with the backing of the United States and the h e l p o f E g y p t i a n a n d Q a t a r i mediators on January 19, is due to end on Saturday and it remains unclear what will follow
“We are being very cautious,” Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel told reporters in Jerusalem, when asked whether the truce might be extended without the start of talks on a second phase
which would include difficult issues such as a final end to the war and the future governance of Gaza.
People react as they watch news coverage, on the day of the release of four hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, and two others, who entered Gaza around a decade ago and have been held there since, as part of a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, in Tel Aviv, Israel February 22, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/File Photo
“There wasn’t a particular agreement on that, but it might be a possibility,” she said. “We didn’t close the option of continuing the current ceasefire, but in return for our hostages, and they have to be returned safely.”
If no agreement is reached by Friday, officials expect either a return to fighting or a freeze in the current situation in which the truce would continue but hostages would not return and Israel may block the
entry of aid into Gaza.
Two officials who have been involved in the ceasefire process told Reuters that Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have not engaged in negotiations to finalise an agreement over phase
two of the ceasefire which will have to bridge wide gaps between the two sides to be concluded.
“I think it’s unrealistic to see something like that forming within a few days,” Haskel said. “This is s o m e t h i
discussed in depth. This is going to take time.”
The deal, which included the release of 33 Israeli hostages in return for some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israeli jails and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from some of their positions in Gaza, has survived numerous hiccups.
So far, 29 Israeli hostages - plus five Thais - have been released in
Palestinian prisoners and detainees, with the bodies of four more hostages, initially due to be handed over on Thursday, still to come.
There is now a standoff over the
breaching the agreement by making a public show of the handover of
Israeli hostages in Gaza.
Hamas official Basem Naim said progress could not be made while the prisoners were still being held but that Hamas was committed to a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces.
H a s k e l s a i d s h e h o p e d a solution would be found to secure the handover of the final four in the next few days.
WITKOFF DUE IN ISRAEL
Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special Middle East envoy, is expected in Israel on Wednesday to continue discussions on the second stage, opening the way to a final end to the war in Gaza.
Negotiations over the second phase, intended to secure the release of the remaining hostages and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, had been meant to start this month, 16 days after the start of the truce.
Qatar ’s prime minister flew to Florida on February 6 and met Witkoff to discuss the “full Continued on page 12
Israel looks to extend phase one of Gaza...
From page 11 implementation” of phase
o n e a n d “ t o k i c k - s t a r t negotiations for the second p h a s e ” , a c c o r d i n g t o a n official briefed on the talks.
B u t o f f i c i a l s i n t h e ceasefire process say that so far none of the principal negotiators have met face to face since the first phase was agreed last month and there is little clarity on options for the “day after”.
“This is the day after
Gaza, after the war in Gaza and what’s going to happen
t h e r e , a n d s o w e a r e continuing that channel with the Americans,” Haskel said. The fighting in Gaza was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, in which Israel said about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken as hostages back to Gaza. Israel’s retaliatory assault on Gaza has killed
health officials say, and laid waste to much of the enclave.
Israel has said Hamas cannot have any role in the future running of Gaza and has rejected a role for the Palestinian Authority Hamas has said it will not necessarily demand that it remain in charge of the e n c
governed since 2007, but that it must be consulted Arab states, which are likely to have to shoulder much of the
financial burden of rebuilding devastated Gaza, have been struggling to come up with a proposal of their own but are expected to demand a role for the Palestinian Authority
U n c e r t a i n t y i n c r e a s e d after Trump proposed moving all the Palestinians out of Gaza to make way for a U S w a t e r f r o n t d e v e l o p m e n t project, a plan that was e n
i cabinet but rejected by Arab states and Palestinians
ExxonMobil awards contract for 4D
seismic sur veys in Stabroek Block
E x x o n M o b i l G u y a n a
L i m i t e d ( E M G L ) h a s
c o n t r a c t e d S h e a r w a t e r
Geoservices to conduct 4D reservoir surveillance in the Stabroek Block.
In a statement this week,
S h e a
c o m m e n c e a s i x - m o n t h survey, starting in the first half of 2025. “The field unit will comprise a Shearwater
seismic vessel as source vessel, and a dual ROV
v e s s e l f o r n o d e deployment,” the Norwegian company explained.
Chief Executive Officer, Irene Waage Basili added, “Shearwater is pleased to be selected for this significant 4D OBN contract in one of the world’s fastest growing offshore oil and gas regions
f o l l o w i n g o u r r e c e n t successful completion of 4D towed streamer operations for ExxonMobil in Canada”.
According to SLB, the goal of successful 4D studies
is to increase production and cost savings through better planning of production and injection wells. Notably, 4D, or timelapse, seismic is the process of using 3D seismic data acquired at different times, over the same area It is used
reservoir over time (the fourth dimension) Changes may be observed in fluid location and saturation, pressure and temperature. L
(GoG) through the Ministry of Natural Resources put out a tender seeking a reputable
Guyana.
On June 27, 2024, eight companies had expressed their interest in conducting t
H
, during the opening of tenders
in October at the National
revealed that only four out of
shortlisted to continue with the bidding process.
The four bidders who submitted their proposals are as follow: PSSGEO (Pre Stack Solutions-GEO) out of N
Services UK Limited from
Also, the assignment is to ensure high-quality seismic data is available for effective e
conference in July 2024, Vi
tender seeking this service and noted the importance of the surveys.
G E O
Guyana) in joint venture w
Services Limited; and TGS Magseis of the USA.
In its tender document, t h e N
s Ministry had stated that the objective of the assignment is to acquire, process and interp
3D seismic data to facilitate exp
development of hydrocarbon resources offshore Guyana.
“We went (at) the last auction without any 3Dseismic so we didn’t have much data for the areas. So, when you have less data, people don’t put in great bids because they don’t know what is there, they can’t interpret the data,” he said.
Jagdeo noted that 3Dseismic may be conducted for the unallocated areas. However, this will not be paid for by the government. The data will however be shared with the Ministry of
Natural Resources and other r
l e interested oil companies will be required to pay for the information.
S e i s m i c s u r v e y s c a n provide crucial information on subsurface rock layers. It involves emitting
Through
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal
approximately 75 house lots in Mabaruma town. Region One by April month-end to p
housing. Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal provided the update during the flag-raising ceremony of Guyana’s 55th
Settlement Ground on Saturday last. In October 2024, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced that the government had acquired 17 acres of land for housing development at Mabaruma. Minister Croal said the ministry would continue to obtain
additional land in the Mabaruma subregion to address any other pending applicants and to pilot the construction of some houses.
“And by June, we will be leading an exercise over at the Port Kaituma at the Matarkai subregion to address pending applicants in the system,” Minister Croal further disclosed The housing and water minister highlighted that the ministry has been able to process the ownership documents at Khan’s Hill or Kokerite Hall Hill The move will now allow all the individuals who received land there to sign their agreements of sale, to begin the process of their certificates of title
This undertaking will also improve the residents’ living standards by providing them with access to necessities
Construction of houses is ongoing at
completed, the
programme has generated job opportunities for many residents, providing additional disposable income for their families. Under this initiative, houses have been completed
Continued on page 20
Be! AI For All (AiFA) showcases AI tools at first exposition in Guyana
Be! AI For All (AiFA), a new artificial intelligence company, has opened its first exposition in Guyana to raise awareness about high-tech A I - d r i v e n s o l u t i o n s
d e s i g n e d t o a s s i s t l o c a l citizens in their everyday lives.
The separate companies, Be! (Popularly known as Be! Payments) and AiFA Labs, joined together in Guyana in 2 0 2 1 , w i t h
ng advanced AI technologies that empower businesses and streamline operations across various domains.
The event opened on Tuesday and will conclude on Friday at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Kingston, Georgetown.
In a statement issued by the company on Tuesday, AiFA stated, “This event will p r o v i d e a p l a t f o r m f o r industry leaders, developers, and AI enthusiasts to explore ground breaking AI-driven tools and technologies.”
A m o n g t h e m a n y exhibits was an Automatic Te l l e r M a c h i n e ( AT M ) designed for persons with disabilities, and a highly sensitive tower camera that detects potential risks such as gas leaks. The camera can alert persons to dangerous situations before the humans can recognize it.
Other showcased tools included Edge AI, which brings computation closer to the data source to enable
c y , a n d improved efficiency The company explained, “This product leverages AI at the
edge to enhance decisionmaking, optimize resource u t i l i z a
a n d r e d u c e dependency on cloud-based processing, making it ideal for industries requiring rapid response times.”
AiFA also introduced the Systems Applications and Products (SAP) AI Software
Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Assist, a generative
AI platform designed to improve SAP developers’ productivity The platform automates repetitive coding tasks, reduces development time, and provides AI-driven i
S D L C e f f i c i e n c y w i t h intelligent code generation and debugging assistance.
I n a d d i t i o n , A i F A presented the Mulesoft to B u s i n e s s T r a n s a c t i o n
Protocol (BTP) Migration
Tool, an AI-driven solution
t h a t r e d u c e s m i g r a t i o n efforts by 50%. This tool automates the mapping of integration flows, minimizes manual intervention, and accelerates deployment with improved accuracy Other highlights included the HR Intelligent Chatbot, an AIpowered assistant designed to automate administrative HR tasks, and the Shipment Tracking AI Application, a mobile app that leverages generative AI for real-time shipment tracking.
The Enterprise ChatGPT and Cerebro Generative AI Platform, which empowers enterprises with advanced c o n v e r s a t i o n a l A I a n d
k n o w l e d g e m a n a g e m e n t , was also on display This platform features AI-driven
b
mechanisms, and seamless A P I i n t e g r a t i o n Additionally, the Cerebro AI G
ensures AI compliance, risk
d operational excellence.
During the exposition, Kaieteur News spoke with B e ! B
Yo
Yo n g explained that the company decided to bring advanced
, noting that many systems in the country are still paper-
based.
“We saw a need for
a because the systems we have in Guyana are still pens and paper, but in most countries, they have fancy features. It’s easier for us to do all the new s
doing so well. We can jump to AI right away to help us in so many ways. For instance, we have a lot of gas tanks exploding on people, the cameras we have can detect Continued on page 23
CEO of Be! Brian Yong (right) and CEO of AiFA Labs Harish Mandadi
A hyper sensitive tower camera used to detect potential risks.
- will now be able to accept more students into programme
UG opens dental training clinic and laborator y
Students, staff, and the surrounding community of the University of Guyana will soon benefit from dental services at the Turkeyen Campus with the launch of the University’s College of Medical Sciences’ first dental teaching clinic.
The new state-of-the-art Dental Training Clinic and Laboratory will double the number of dentists the University can admit to the dental programme from this year, the university said in a press release. This will significantly strengthen the institution’s capacity to produce more highly skilled dental professionals, provide opportunities for research, serve the community, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Dental Training Clinic and Laboratory was gifted by the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), which comprises the Stabroek Block partners – ExxonMobil Guyana, CNOOC Petroleum, and HESS Corporation. This gift is part of the GGI’s larger development partnership with the University of Guyana, the release added.
During the launch of the facility, UG Vice Chancellor, Professor, Paloma Mohamed Martin, expressed deep appreciation to the GGI for their generosity to the university and noted the significant impact the project will have on the students, staff, and the country as a whole. Professor, Mohamed Martin recalled that in the 30 years of the dental programme’s existence, the University was faced with the challenge of accepting a dwindling number of applicants to the dentistry programme because of the small number of training chairs available. Often, the University had to take the difficult decision to turn away eligible students due to limited space. “We were doing at that time, two dental students to a chair and still only able to take six students in, and so students who had worked all their lives trying to get into a dental school had to be turned away,” the VC explained. “This could not continue. We had to do something. And together we did. Today, we have added 10 chairs here at UG to add to the excellent training support we have received throughout the years
Continued on page 19
Vice-President for HESS (Guyana and Suriname), Clare Gardner (center); University of Guyana’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin; Director of UG’s Dental School Dr. Zoe Perreira, other representatives of the GGI and students assist in the cutting of the ribbon to officially launch the Dental Training Clinic and Laboratory.
A section of the gathering at the launch of the facility
Officials gathering around the new dental chair
Oil spill from 7 project has 70% chance of hitting
Reg. One shorelines - EIA
An oil spill that occurred
at ExxonMobil’s seventh project- Hammerhead- has a 70% probability of hitting the shorelines of Region
O n e , a c c o r d i n g t o t h e
E n v i r o n m e n t a l I m p a c t Assessment (EIA). The study was conducted
b y E x x o n ’s c o n s u l t a n t ,
E n v i r o n m e n t a l R e s o u r c e s
M a n a g e m e n t ( E R M ) According to the document,
E x x o n M o b i l G u y a n a
Limited (EMGL) conducted oil spill modeling and coastal
s e n s
i v i t y m a p p i n g t o identify and characterize the resources/receptors with the potential to be exposed to oil in the unlikely event of a spill.
“ T h e s p i l l m o d e l i n g evaluated a range of possible
trajectories and rates of travel for an oil slick from each of the two above-
r e f e r e n c e d l o s s - o f - w e l l -
control scenarios, ” ERM explained.
I t n o t e d t h a t s e v e r a l
factors could reduce the severity of an oil spill in the Project Development Area (PDA). These include the l o c a t i o n o f t h e s p i l l , p r e v a i l i n g c u r r e n t s a n d climate.
The study said modeling predicted that surface oil w o u l d g e n e r a l l y t r a v e l toward the northwest in all
s c e n a r i o s d u r i n g b o t h
m o d e l e d s e a s o n s - J u n e
t h r o u g h N o v e m b e r, a n d December through May
I t s t a t e d , “ F o r t h e
M a x i m u m W C D ( Wo r s t Case Discharge) scenario, the model predicted a 5- 10% probability of oil contacting the Region One coast during t h e J u n e t o N o v e m b e r season. The minimum time t o r e a c h t h e s h o r e l i n e predicted by the model was 5 to 15 days.”
Meanwhile, with regard to December to May season, it was explained, “The model predicted probabilities of 52 0 % a n d 5 - 7 0 % o f o i l reaching the coast of Region Tw o a n d R e g i o n O n e , respectively The modeled minimum time for oil to reach the shoreline for this scenario is 5 to 15 days for Region Two and 1 to 10 days for Region One.”
A different model for the June to November season for the Most Credible WCD showed the probability of oil reaching the Region One shoreline is 5 to 10 percent
with the modeled minimum time of 5 to 15 days.
For the December to May season for the Most Credible WCD, the probability of oil reaching the shoreline ranges from 5-20% for Region Two, and 5-70% for Region One. The modeled minimum time for oil to reach the shoreline is 5 to 15 days for Region Two and 1 to 10 days for Region One.
Exxon explained that the 5- to 15-day travel time for oil would allow ample time f
response resources to further
However, if an oil spill were to hit Guyana’s shorelines, protected areas and coastal habitats could be impacted.
Beach Protected Area in Region One, mangroves and even coastal communities
depend on fishing in the ocean, and other ecosystem services.
About Hammerhead
In the Project Summary submitted by Exxon to the EPA, the company explained that the project is expected to
Model showing the predicted surface oiling from an unmitigated oil spill at the Hammerhead project. (EMGL EIA)
Production is expected to begin in 2029 subject to the
approvals and operate for at least 20 years. Exxon said Hammerhead will develop the offshore resource by drilling approximately 14 to 3
(including production and
Subsea Umbilicals, Risers, a
equipment;
installing an approximately 1
pipeline from the
to
tie-in on the Gas to Energy Pipeline.
UG opens dental training clinic and laborator y
From page 17 from the Cheddi Jagan Dental School of the Ministry of Health.”
Additionally, the VC explained that eventually, the clinic will not only train more dentists, but it will a l s o p r o v i d e t h e U n i v e r s i t y ’s students, staff, their families, and communities with dental services at no cost or at a nominal fee.
O c c u p
M
ExxonMobil Guyana, Dr Sonya Lord, who spoke on behalf of the GGI, expressed how delighted the partners were to be celebrating this m i l e s
n e w i t h t h e u n
v e r s i t y community, noting the significant positive impact the project will have on students and the wider community
Dr Lord added that the GGI’s partnership with UG has led to quite a few key notable achievements, such as the recently launched Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing Lab, which is expected to revolutionise not only research but analysis in the country; the Medical Diagnostic Lab and the DNA Barcoding Laboratory, which are expected to provide advanced healthcare solutions and continue
t o p r e s e r v e G u y a n a ’ s r i c h
biodiversity, among others. In fact, the new genetics lab has already helped identify several new species of plants, fish, and wildlife that were unknown to the world a few months ago. “These initiatives and t
’s
demonstrate GGI’s commitment to fostering innovation and continued a d v a n c e m e n
n m e d i c a l technology,” Dr Lord said. “As we celebrate the launch of this facility, I d o e n c o u r a g e s t u d e n
n d professionals to ensure that they take advantage of this opportunity that the initiative brings. It’s not only an investment in the expansion of facilities, but it’s an investment in building the capacity of our Guyanese people and the country’s health sector,” Dr Lord said.
D e a n o f U G ’s C o l l e g e o f Medical Sciences, of which the Dental programme is a part, Dr C e c i l B o s t o n , e x p r e s s e d d e e p appreciation to the donors on behalf of the Faculty, noting that the realisation of the project shows a strong commitment to improving dental education in Guyana. He also noted that the initiative fits neatly with the government’s plan to improve healthcare in Guyana, of
w h i c h t r a
component. “We can guarantee that when our students get into the world of work that they are fully equipped to handle anything that comes to them,” he said.
quality of dentists UG produces. He, like other speakers, echoed similar words of appreciation to the GGI for their support in ensuring the university continues to build its capacity to produce more highly skilled graduates in the dental field and other key areas. He noted that UG’s programme “has produced over 130 dentists for Guyana and the region; 90% of the dentists in Guyana are UG trained.”
Director of UG’s School of Dentistry, Dr Zoe Perreira, who provided a tour of the facility, explained that the Dental Training Clinic and Lab is a well-equipped
y functional dental chairs, each fitted
procedures. The clinic is designed to accommodate multiple patients
simultaneously, ensuring a smooth workflow and high-quality patient care.
operatory areas: one with four dental chairs, another with two, and a
specialised treatments. The clinical area also includes a fully equipped sterilisation room to maintain strict infection control protocols and a
diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
The training clinic will support training for a range of dental procedures, including restorative dentistry (fillings), endodontics (root canal treatment), oral surgery, a n d p
cleanings, sealants, and fluoride therapy Beyond the clinical area, the facility features a reception area with a visitor ’s restroom, a storage facility, and separate rooms for doct
washroom facilities and secure lockers are available for both
within the learning and treatment environment.
Gavin Matthews, a fourth-year dentistry student and the first indigenous person pursuing the dentistry programme, and Kurt B
student, expressed thanks on behalf of the students to the GGI partners for the gift. They noted that this
significantly enhance the academic and practical training of students, equipping them with cutting-edge skills and the knowledge to excel in the field of dentistry Those present at the ceremony included Mrs. Alicia Bess-Anderson, GGI Lead; F
Coordinator, GGI; Representatives from HESS – Clare Gardner, VicePresident, Guyana & Suriname, who cut the ribbon along with students and Dr Perreira; Will S
C
; Tim Chapman, Appraisal Director; Benn Hansen, Subsurface Director; Jeni Tule, Development Director; Simon Prucnal, Stabroek Manager; Jason Olson, Project Manager; R
Petroleum – Bayney Karran, Senior Manager; Olive Gopaul, External Relations Analyst; and members of UG’s senior management team, staff, and students.
Almost75houselotstobeallocated...
From page 14
in Kokerite, Warapoka, Haimaruni, Tiger Pond, Lethem, Yakarinta, Nappi, Shiriri, Crashwater and Rupunau. Minister Croal explained that infrastructure development has also been a major focus which is evident in the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges and transportation networks to connect communities more effectively “These proje
improving mobility. They are about u
trade and ensuring that every resident of Region One has access to essential services,” he stated.
The government has also strengthened the region’s healthcare services, ensuring that the residents have better access to facilities and medical supplies. Similarly, education has remained a priority, with the construction of new schools. Investments in
opportunities and stimulating economic growth in the region. “And we look forward [to the future], our vision for Region One remains clear, a thriving
promised but it is actively delivered,” Minister Croal avowed. (DPI)
Bareroot residents feel neglected by Gov t .
…call
for access to far m lands
Re s i d e n t s o f
B a r e r o o t , E a s t
Coast Demerara (ECD) have accused the government of neglecting t h e i r v i l l a g e w h i l e complaining that they are unable to access the back lands used for farming.
B a r e r o o t i s a p r e d o m i n a n t l y f a r m i n g community According to the residents, they are now forced to farm and rear animals in their back yards due to the contamination of water sources with animal waste and plant debris.
T h e s t a g n a n t , f o u ls m e l l i n g w a t e r i n t h e
c o m m u n i t y ’s d r a i n s a n d trenches remains a major
concern, as clogged, poorly m
Residents are worried about p
, particularly for children. A d d i t i o n a l
y , t h e residents disclosed that the rate of school drop outs and teenage pregnancy is everincreasing.
S e v e n t y - s i x - y e a r - o l d
Negla Garraway, one of the o l d e s t m e m b e r s o f t h e village and a former member o f t h e G u y a n a D e f e n c e Force (GDF) told Kaieteur News that she is afraid of the contaminated water causing health issues. Garraway said that she too does not have access to farm lands.
She said approximately 20 years ago the government assisted the community with the development of lands noting that the land the residents now live on was once a rice field.
After the rice field stop bearing fruit, Garraway said t h e r e s i d e n t s t u
houses.
“We had street lights and used to farm, people would come from all over like Buxton, Dazzle and so on to farm and would eventually live in the community,” she recalled.
H o w e v e r , a s t i m e progressed, Garraway said nothing else was done to h e l p r e s i d e n t s o f t h e community
“ T h i n g s s t a
g worse and worse and worse, they start to neglect the community We have a very
community I am afraid of any outbreak of any disease
i m
n t h e c o m m u n i t y, b e c a u s e w e rearing a lot of pigs in this community, the waste of the pigs is feeding into the drain, the water black and stink,” she expressed.
Garraway added that the situation could affect nearby v i l l a g e s “ I f w e g e t a n outbreak, it will affect the neighbouring villages too, especially Enterprise and B a c h e l o r s A d v e n t u r e , because we all intermingle.”
When asked about the maintenance of the drains, Garraway responded saying, “They would rake-up the grass from the drain but the drain need to be dug so that water can run in and out, the water is stagnant in this community Now and then they will come in and say that they cleaning, but just move the grass at the top,” she said.
A K a i e t e u r N e w s reporter walked through the community and observed dark drains due to them b e i n g h e a v i l y c l o g g e d causing the water to be stagnant.
“ E a r l y l a s t y e a r t h e minister of agriculture came in here for a meeting, I went to listen to the meeting and when I got there, he talking
about boosting agriculture and I said, minister if you come in the context of agriculture, we have to have lands,” she said.
Garraway disclosed that the minister said that the lands will be given to the r e s i d e n t s H o w e v e r, t h e residents have not gotten access to the lands due to the lack of bridges.
“He said that he will give us the land to do farming and couple days from then he s e n t i n d r a i n a g e a n d irrigation and other people to measure the land. Because for us to go into the land we need access because there is no bridge and they said that they will build a bridge so that we could go over to get access to the land. But from e a r l y l a s t y e a r t o n o w n o t h i n g w a s d o n e , ” Garraway explained.
The frustrated 76-yearold woman also claimed that the lands are being given to foreign investors.
“They are giving all t h e s e l a n d s t o f o r e i g n investors. Sooner or later, we
won’t be able to go at the back because is everybody getting a big junk of the land at the back there and we have to live with the animals.
They are roaming around the village, mashing the roads down, coming in your yard, eating your things,” she said.
F u r t h e r , t h e e l d e r l y w o m a n s a i d , “ T h i s
c o m m u n i t y c a n n o t e x i s t without farm lands because most of the people in this c o m m u n i t y a r e r e a r i n g animals and people need to plant. We are not begging for these things, this is our d e m o c r a t i c r i g h t , e v e r y government got to see that communities get light, road, water and anything else.”
M e a n w h i l e , r e s i d e n t s have also complained about the state of their roads
“Since two years they started the road and they ain’t done yet, they doing lil thing to drag their foot on it. This is t h e m a i n a c c e s s r o a d , ” another resident told this publication.
It was observed that the roads are primarily sand
Pigs being reared in a resident’s back yard
f i l l e d w h i c h m a k e s i t
d i f f i c u l t t o m a n o e u v r e particularly during the rainy season.
Natasha Richmond, a 19y e a r - o l d m o t h e r t o l d Kaieteur News that there is no progress for youths in Bareroot village. She said, “It is stressful, the only jobs nearby is at the Chinese supermarket but they don’t pay no good money.”
R
unkempt environment and lack of opportunities are driving young people away “There are a lot of children running away from their house here, there is no work, the community is unkempt and there is nothing to do here,” she said.
T
boosted by developing the village’s vacant land.
“There’s a lot of empty land here. They could build a restaurant and create jobs r i g h t h e r e i n t h e community,” she proposed.
Negla Garraway makes a point while being interviewed by a Kaieteur News reporter.
The blackened drains
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Bent St, Friendship EBD, Soesdyke, Yarawkabra & Long Creek highway, Mahaicony & Plantation Foulis WCB. Call Ray's Realty: 627-9685.
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hours. The three victims have been identified as: 44-year-old housewife, Seeta Ghannie of Lot 65, Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), 26year-old Labourer, Vishal Narine of Lot 1 Land of Canaan, EBD, and Deon Baird also known as Deon Edwards who drowned at Lake Main Mainstay, Essequibo Coast, Region Two.
Two of the victims were imbibing before they drowned. One of them Vishal Narine reportedly jumped into the Demerara River on Monday after his sister refused to give him money to buy more rum.
Police said that Narine drowned around 16:50 hrs. in the vicinity of Land of Canaan, EBD. “...enquiries disclosed that Vishal Narine and an identifiable male were imbibing alcohol from about 07:30 hrs on the said date (Monday)”, police stated before adding that around 15:00hrs. he got into an argument with his father, brother and sister because they refused to give him money to purchase more alcohol.
At around 16:50 hrs. Narine reportedly left his yard, saying that he was going to the river (Demerara River). His sister identified as Parbattie Sancharra, attempted to stop him but he did not listen to her.
She then alerted other relatives living close by to help her stop him.
One of his cousins, Daveraj Singh ran behind him but Narine jumped into the river before he (Singh) could get close enough to him.
Singh even plunged behind him and tried to rescue a struggling Narine but the current was too strong.
Narine was swept away and went under the water. He was not seen again.
Meanwhile, Seeta Ghannie met her demise during a family outing on Monday at Azeeza Akousa Creek, Madewini, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
Police said that her drowning reportedly took place around 17:30 hrs.
Reports are that around 17:00 hrs., Ghannie and her husband, Vijay were in the water along with other relatives when he left and went to take a drink.
“A few minutes later he saw his relatives exit the water but did not see his wife,” police said.
Police added, “He immediately raised an alarm and began making checks but could not locate her”.
Some 15 minutes later Ghannie’s motionless body was found submerged in the creek. She was immediately rushed to the Diamond Diag-
Reportedly drowned after jumping into the Demerara River, Vishal Narine
nostic Centre where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
The third victim, Deon Baird was found dead around 11:00hrs on Tuesday. His remains were found floating at Lake Main Stay, Essequibo Coast, Region Two. Investigations later revealed that he was last seen drinking Guiness by himself at a bar at the Lake Main Stay Resort before later taking off his clothes and jumping into the lake for a swim. He never resurfaced.
Smuggler caught trying to sneak $10,000 in cocaine onto plane under his wig
New York Post - Hair-raising footage captured Colombian cops exposing a drug smuggler who had hidden $10,000 worth of cocaine under a wig glued to his head.
The 40-year-old suspect from Pereira attempted to board a flight from Cartagena to Amsterdam in the Netherlands on Thursday when he was stopped by anti-narcotics police, according to a video shared on X by the Colombian National Police.
The footage showed an officer cutting through what appeared to be the man’s hair and scalp with a pair of scissors, eventually peeling back the wig and revealing a stockpile of drugs.
The smuggler had “more than 400 doses of cocaine,” valued at over $10,000, inside 19 capsules that were “camouflaged in a wig,” police said in a press release.
“These capsules contained a substance that, after being subjected to the Homologated Preliminary Identi-
fication Test (PIPH), tested positive for cocaine,” according to the release.
The video later shows police officers displaying the suspect, who has not been named, behind a table with a sign reading “cocaina,” Spanish for cocaine.
Police are investigating whether the suspect, who has a history of drug trafficking, was linked to a larger criminal organization.
The suspect has now been “placed at the disposal of the Attorney General’s Office for the crime of trafficking, manufacturing and carrying narcotic substances,” police said.
More than 450 people have been arrested for drug trafficking this year, according to the commander of the Metropolitan Police of Cartagena, Brig. Gen. Gelver Yecid Peña Araque. Authorities have seized more than 115 kilos of hallucinogens, including marijuana, coca base and cocaine, police said in the release.
“We are dealing decisive blows against these criminal structures that not only fight over local drug trafficking but are also the generators of different violent acts and other types of crimes that disrupt peace and coexistence,” the general said.
“We continue to insist on the importance of the community being our main ally, providing timely information that helps us identify and locate criminals.”
Bids open for supply & installation of seed handling equipment for NAREI
Four firms have submitted bids for the supply, delivery and installation of seed handling equipment to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), an agency under the Ministry of Agriculture.
Bids were opened recently at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office.
NAREI also tendered for the construction of reinforced concrete foundation and floor slabs to accommodate tunnel houses at Hosororo, Mabaruma, Region One. According to the engineer ’s estimate these works will cost $24.8 million. Below are the companies and their bids:
National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute
Construction to RC Foundation and Floor Slabs to Accommodate Tunnel Houses at Hosororo, Mabaruma.
Supply & Delivery of One Autoclave & One Spectrophotmete.
Supply & Delivery of Culture Vessels.
Supply, Delivery & Installation of Seed Handling Equipment.
Be! AI For All (AiFA) showcases...
From page 15 leaks in the gas tank before any human can see it. With AI, Guyana can be at the forefront of technology in the Caribbean.”
Meanwhile, AiFA’s CEO Harish Mandadi when asked whether AiFA plans to broaden its services to the government said, “We are looking for private local companies and not the government as yet for now, but if the government needs help, we will be able to help. We are open to it.”
Ministry of Health
Electrical Works at National AIDS Programme Secretariat, Georgetown-Region 4
Labourer drowns
In Lake Mainstay
Last week, President Irfaan Ali at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo said that AI would be a key driver in ensuring Guyana keeps up with global advancements and continues to improve development. (Shania Williams) A
was found dead on Monday in Lake Mainstay Resort, E
plunging into the water
The deceased has been identified as Deon Baird f r o m P r i n c e v i l l e , L a k e Mainstay, Essequibo Coast. Baird’s body was found by his sister, who went in search of him, on Tuesday
Reports are that Baird left his home on Monday
Police in a statement said that Baird’s mother, Janet Gomes told detectives that he left home around 11:00 hours on Monday to go to the Mainstay Resort. When he did not return home, Gomes reportedly became worried and informed her daughter, Ashana Baird.
Ashana reported that on Tuesday, around 11:00hrs she went to Lake Mainstay in search of her brother
“There, she discovered a body floating face down about 30 feet from the deck bar of the resort. She raised an alarm, and with the help of other villagers, the body was retrieved and was identified as her brother,” police said.
T h e s c e n e w a s photographed and processed by Detectives.
CCTV cameras showed Baird removing his clothes and plunging into the water on the eastern side of the d e c k b a r H e d i d n o t resurface.
A pair of jeans, a jersey, and slippers belonging to the deceased, were found on a bench at the deck bar The
Teen girl abducted by cutlass bandits
...suspects arrested by cops after crashing getaway car
A 15-year-old schoolgirl was rescued by the police after five cutlass bandits, c r a s h
h e i r g e
vehicle when they abducted her, after carrying out a robbery at Tide Restaurant and Bar, La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara.
According to a statement f
G
Force (GPF) the incident occurred around 23:00 hours on Monday, February 24, 2025.
It was disclosed that the
items were retrieved and placed into an evidence bag.
P o l i c e i n t e r v i e w e d several persons including Antonio Williams, a male bartender employed at Lake Mainstay Resort. Williams told the law enforcement officers that on Monday, around 17:00 hours, while working he saw the deceased s o c i a l i z i n g w i t h o t h e r villagers.
Shortly after, he said he noticed Baird alone drinking Guinness at the bar Williams said he did not see when Baird left the bar as he was serving other customers.
Baird’s body was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His body was subsequently taken to the Suddie Mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing.
to make their escape, one of the suspects grabbed the teenage girl, and forcibly placed her into the back seat of a white Fielder wagon, PAH 7157.
T h e b a n d i t s t r i e d t o e s c a p e i n t h e e a s t w a r d direction but their escape was cut short when the driver l o s t c o n t r o l n e a r P o u d e r o y e n , We s t B a n k Demerara, and drove into a trench.
Police gave chase and a p r
making off with valuables, i
phones, and gold jewelry T
a Ghanshan, an 18-year-old cashier Raphal Sarwan, and the 15-year-old girl.
D u r i n g t h e o r d e a l , Richard Ghanshan, the 59year-old proprietor of the r e s t a u r a n t a n d b a r, w a s ambushed in his backyard and assaulted with a cutlass before being forced into the upper flat of the building. The robbers then attacked o t h e r v i c t i m s , i n f l i c t i n g injuries on Sarwan before ransacking the premises.
As the bandits were about
perpetrators, identified as 21-year-old Perciven Aaron, k n o w n a s ‘ B a r b a n , ’ o f Thomas Street, Georgetown, a n d 1 9 - y e a r - o l d I s a i a h Bowen, called ‘Pranks,’ of Church Street, Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara.
The abducted girl was rescued at the scene, and several stolen items were recovered from the vehicle’s back seat.
T
, received medical treatment at Leonora Cottage Hospital before being discharged.
C r i m e s c e n e investigators processed the area and obtained CCTV footage. Notably the two suspects remain in custody a s t h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n continues.
Dead: Deon Baird
US sides with Russia in UN resolutions on Ukraine
BBC - The US has twice sided with Russia in votes at the United Nations to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,
h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e Tr u m p administration’s change of stance on the war
s
General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
n d v
e d f o r a
r e s o l u t i o n a t t h e U N
S e c u r i t y C o u n c i l w h i c h c a l l e d f o r a n e n d t o t h e
c o n f l i c t , b u t c o n t a i n e d
n o c r i t i c i s m o f R u s s i a
T h e S e c u r i t y C o u n c i l p a s s e d t h e r e s o l u t i o n ,
b u t t w o k e y U S a l l i e s , t h e U K a n d F r a n c e , a b s t a i n e d a f t e r t h e i r a t t e m p t s t o a m e n d t h e
w o r d i n g w e r e v e t o e d
T h e U N r e s o l u t i o n s w e r e t a b l e d a s F r e n c h
P r e s i d e n t E m m a n u e l
M a c r o n v i s i t e d
P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d T r u m p
a t t h e W h i t e H o u s e i n a n
a t t e m p t t o a d d r e s s t h e i r s h a r p d i f f e r e n c e s o v e r
t h e w a r
O n T h u r s d a y, B r i t i s h P r i m e M i n i s t e r S i r K e i r S t a r m e r w i l l l i k e w i s e
v i s i t t h e n e w A m e r i c a n
l e a d e r T r u m p ’ s W h i t e
H o u s e h a s u p e n d e d t h e t r a n s a t l a n t i c a l l i a n c e ,
c u r r y i n g f a v o u r w i t h
M o s c o w a n d c a s t i n g
d o u b t o n A m e r i c a ’ s
l o n g - t e r m c o m m i t m e n t
t o E u r o p e a n s e c u r i t y T h a t r i f t w a s l a i d
b a r e o n t h e f l o o r o f t h e
1 9 3 - m e m b e r U N G A o n
M o n d a y a s U S
d i p l o m a t s p u s h e d t h e i r
l i m i t e d r e s o l u t i o n
m o u r n i n g t h e l o s s o f l i f e
d u r i n g t h e “ R u s s i a -
U k r a i n e c o n f l i c t ” a n d
c a l l i n g f o r a s w i f t e n d t o i t
E u r o p e a n d i p l o m a t s
tabled a more detailed text, blaming Russia for its full-
s c a l e i n v a s i o n , a n d
s u p p o r t i n g U k r a i n e ’ s sovereignty and territorial integrity
“ We n e e d t o r e c o n f i r m
r t h K o r e a , S u d a n , B e l a r u s , H u n g a r y a n d 11
o t h e r s t a t e s , w i t h 6 5
a b s t e n t i o n
t
i n
l u d e
a n g u a g e s u p p o r t i n g U k r a i n e , w h i c h l e d t o t h e U S a b s t a i n i n g R e p u b l i
d e e p l y t r o u b l e d ” b y t h e v o t e “ w h i c h p u t u s o n t h e s a m e s i d e a s R u s s i a a n d
N o r t h K o r e a ” “ T h e s e a r e n o t o u r f r i e n d s T h i s p o s t u r e i s a
d r a m a t i c s h i f t f r o m
A m e r i c a n i d e a l s o f
f r e e d o m a n d
d e m o c r a c y, ” h e w r o t e o n X
T h e v o t e w a s
“ c o n t r a r y t o o u r l o n g -
t h a t t h e a g g r e s s i o n s h o u l d b e c o n d e m n e d a n d d i s c r e d i t e d , n o t r e w a r d e
s t a n d i n g s u p p o r t o f
d e m o c r a c y ” , s a i d f o r m e r
U S H o u s e o f
R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s S p e a k e r
N a n c y P e l o s i
U k r a i n e ’ s f o r m e r
m i n i s t e r o f e c o n o m y , T y m o f i y M y l o v a n o v ,
s a i d t h e c h o i c e t o s i d e
w i t h R u s s i a w a s
d e l i b e r a t e
“ T h i s i s n o l o n g e r j u s t r h e t o r i c o r p o l i t i c a l
t h e a t r e , ” h e s a i d
A t t h e m u c h m o r e p o w e r f u l 1 5 - m e m b e r U N
S e c u r i t y C o u n c i l , t h e
u n a m e n d e d U S
r e s o l u t i o n - w h i c h c a l l e d
f o r a n e n d t o t h e c o n f l i c t b u t c o n t a i n e d n o
c r i t i c i s m o f R u s s i a - w a s p a s s e d by 10 votes, with the
U K , F r a n c e , D e n m a r k ,
G r e e c e a n d S l o v e n i a abstaining.
A m e r i c a ’ s a c t i n g
e n v o y t o t h e U N ,
D o r o t h y C a m i l l e S h e a ,
d e s c r i b e d t h e U S
r e s o l u t i o n a s a “ s i m p l e h i s t o r i c s t a t e m e n t t h a t
l o o k s f o r w a r d , n o t b a c k w a r d s
A r e s o l u t i o n f o c u s e d
o n o n e s i m p l e i d e a :
e n d i n g t h e w a r ”
R a r e l y h a s t h e U S
b e e n s o a t o d d s w i t h i t s s u p p o s e d E u r o p e a n a l l i e s S i n c e R u s s i a i n v a d e d U k r a i n e t h r e e y e a r s a g o , t h e S
Commer ce minister ur ges banks to lower inter est r ates
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Aubyn Hill. of
KINGSTON, JamaicaM i n i s
r o f I n d u s t r y , Investment and Commerce, Aubyn Hill, is again urging banks to lower their interest rates on loans.
He noted that while the B a n k o f J a
( B O J ) policy rate has been reduced about four times between
followed yet”.
“We want our banks to be profitable. When you have a growing economy, banks benefit most [as] there are m o r e t r a n s a c t i o n s b e i n g done.
[But] in order to have a growing economy, you must
d reasonably low interest rate. When the central bank has been cutting its lending rate, we need to see the banks move in that direction,” he maintained.
T h e m i n i s t e r w a s speaking during Monday’s s i g n i n g c e r e m o n y f o r a m e m o r a n d u m o f u n d e r s t a n d i n g ( M O U )
b e t w e e n t h e C a r i b b e a n
E x p o r t D e v e l o p m e n t Agency (CEDA) and the
D e v e l o p m e n t B a n k o f Jamaica (DBJ) for the launch of a corporate venturing programme.
The signing was hosted at the offices of the Inter-
A m e r i c a n D e v e l o p m e n t
Bank (IDB) in Kingston
Senator Hill said the
Government recognises the
importance of micro, small a n d m e d i u m - s i z e d
e n t e r p r i s e s ( M S M E s ) t o
Jamaica’s economy, and is also seized of the challenges stakeholders experience in a c c e s s i n g a f f o r d a b l e financing.
“ M S M E s a r e t h e
b a c k b o n e o f J a m a i c a ’s
economy. MSMEs account for 97 per cent of Jamaican
businesses. T h e M S M E g r o u p
employs 80 per cent of our
w o r k f o r c e a n d t h e y
contribute 44 per cent of
G D P ( g r o s s d o m e s t i c product)
“ M S M E s a r e t h e
heartbeat of our economy
S t r e n g t h e n i n g t h e m
strengthens Jamaica We must strengthen them Yet, challenges remain, p a r t i c u l a r l y i n a c c e s s i n g a f f o r d a b l e f i n a n c i n g , w h i c h i s w h a t B I G E E
( B o o s t i n g I n n o v a t i o n ,
G r o w t h a n d E n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p
E c o s y s t e m s ) d o e s a n d DBJ and [others],” he said.
B I G E E i s a
G o v e r n m e n t o f J a m a i c a p r o j e c t , I D B - f u n d e d project, executed by the ( D B
Deteriorating Kitt y Market lands Cit y Engineer in ‘hot water’
A section of the ceiling in the Kitty Market
undergoing a series of rehabilitative works which started nine years ago.
City Mayor Alfred Mentore during, a statutory meeting of the Georgetown Council on Tuesday raised concerns about the condition of the market, which is yet to be completed.
The mayor requested an update from the City Engineer ’s Department on why the work on the market has been stalled.
City Engineer Colvern Venture was present at Tuesday’s statutory meeting. He indicated that an assessment of the market will be done and a report provided to the Council, thereafter “I am learning of some issues that the market is deteriorating and how are we now hearing of this….” Mentore said noting that an assessment by the General Works Manager is warranted since he is the person supervising the work.
He ordered the officer to provide an on-the-spot assessment of the deterioration and work yet to be completed.
However, Councillor Troy Garraway took an issue to the mayor ’s decision. He noted that the City Engineer should have been able to look at the condition of the market and give the council an estimated time to complete the work.
“The Kitty Market should have been open since October or September last year We are entering March month of 2025 and still the market is not ready for open. Something is wrong. Somebody’s taking us for a ride and I would like to have some a n s w e r s f r o m t h e e n g i n e e r ’s d e p a r t m e n t , ” C o u n c i l l o r Garraway declared.
Garraway said instead of pressuring the General Works Officer, it is Venture who needs to be held accountable.
“We are asking the wrong person to answer to this council. Where is the engineer that came two times for monies to complete works? The engineer is the one that gave the estimate which was voted for by the council and still the market is not going or coming… the person that should be made to answer is the city engineer,” the Councilor stated.
Notwithstanding Garraway’s position, the General Works Manager told the council that “we are doing repairs. We notice that other parts of the ceiling have gone bad…”
City Hall has been on a push for a February month-end deadline after nine years of on-and-off rehabilitation and Mayor Mentor had said that all steps are being taken to ensure the market is operational.
The restoration project, which started in February 2016 under then-town clerk Royston King, was expected to last nine months. The total allocation for the project stands at $240 million, with funds injected throughout the years to bring the market closer to completion.
The Kitty Market has undergone on-and-off rehabilitative works for the past nine years.
Sir Clive Lloyd pleased with Guyana President Dr. Ir faan Ali’s appointment as new chairman of CARICOM sub-committee on cricket
departure on Friday during the conclusion of the 48th C A R I C O M
G
Barbados.
“
chairman of the CARICOM sub-committee on cricket. Ali is replacing outgoing
& Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley,
’s appointment to this crucial and strategic post in our cricket team,” Sir Clive told journalist Philip Spooner in an article.
Sir Clive Lloyd is pleased with Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s appointment.
TMeeting of the G u
Association will be held on Sunday 12th April 2025, from 1 pm at the ‘Olympic H
Demerara, Guyana.
Notice of Motions must
Wednesday February 26, 2025
ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)
Bite the bullet and get it done, Aries. Finish the projects and get the lingering odds and ends out of your way There are stable energies today that will bring a practical breath of fresh air to any situation.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)
To d a y m i g h t n o t b e a s lighthearted and free-spirited as you'd like, Taurus, but don't s w e a t i t Wo r k w i t h t h e grounded energy of the day to complete tasks that have been wearing on you for a while.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
Today is a fantastic day for y o u , G e m i n i . T h i n g s a r e naturally flowing your way. You can accomplish a great deal. There are few hurdles in your way, perhaps none.
CANCER (June 21–July 22)
There's a conservative air today that doesn't fit well with your erratic, unconventional nature, Cancer Things might pop up to remind you that you s h o u l d b e a b i t m o r e disciplined in your approach.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)
Something is tugging you back down to reality, Leo. Your mind has tended to be in the clouds lately, but now you need to ground your emotions and realize that you operate on a physical plane.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)
There's a conservative veil over your emotions, Virgo. Issues from the past might arise and rub you the wrong way You move onward and upward by nature, plowing ahead without thinking of the consequences.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
Today is fantastic for tuning in to your inner self, Libra. You will have a level, grounded mind from which to make conscious evaluations of your emotional state. Trust your instincts and make realistic plans for the future.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)
You may feel a bit weighed down today, Scorpio, and perhaps more reserved than u s
raining on your parade, but don't let it get you down.
SAGIT (Nov 22–Dec. 21)
Today's a good day to ground your fluctuating
, Sagittarius. Step back from the drama you create and evaluate your inner state Are you fooling yourself into thinking everything's OK.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
Things may be calm today, Capricorn. You might not be your boisterous self, but that could be a good thing. Use the sobering energy to evaluate your emotions and honestly look at your relationships.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today is a great day for you, Aquarius. Everything is flowing your way as more pieces of the puzzle fall into
Yo
n g emotions are grounded and calm.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)
Someone or something may spur you on today, Pisces. You may feel a nagging impulse to get up and do something. Follow that instinct and stop moaning about staying in bed. The practical truth may be sobering.
“ H e h a s s h o w n a profound love for the game and a clear understanding of what is needed to advance it,” he added.
Lloyd, who captained the West Indies to World Cup titles in 1975 and 1979, urged Dr Ali to focus on g r a s s r o o t s a n d p a t h w a y programmes, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding We s t I n d i e s c r i c k e t t o reclaim its status on the world stage.
“We must re-establish ourselves as a major force in cricket,” he said.
Lloyd also called for a renewed emphasis on club and school cricket in the region.
2025 CWI CG United Super50 Women’s Re gional Super50 tour nament Round...
Guyana lock-up against rampant Jamaica, as 2nd round gets under way
After suffering a tense loss in the opening round, a talented Guyana ladies’ team will be seeking a turnaround a
Jamaicans, as action in the 2
Caribbean today Action shifts to Warner Park, St. Kitts as Guyana will be tasked with playing premium cricket against a
strong Jamaica team, who drew first blood after an emphatic 50-run win over Trinidad.
A narrow loss at the h a n d s o f B a j a n s p u t Shamaine Campbelle and her team on the backfoot going into this battle against a Jamaican side that oddly enough racked up more than two hundred runs against a formidable Divas team.
The stronghold which is the spin unit consisting of P
, Ashmini Munisar and Niya L a t c h m a n , w i l l n e e d t o continue their form from game one.
C h e r r y - A n n F r a s e r , Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond bring a wealth of experience to the team, in both departments; adding to their importance versus a similarly structured Jamaica XI.
Guyana’s strength will be the batting, led by Captain Campbelle, Gajnabi, Mandy Mangru, Katana Mentore and Fraser; most of which fired in the last battle.
With skipper and opener Rashada Williams fresh off a
Jamaica women’s captain Rashad Williams will enter today’s game fresh off a match-winning half-century.
fifty, the dynamic Stefanie Taylor missing hers by a run and an experienced Chedean Nation coming in as the third best batter, Jamaica will f a n c y t h e m s e l v e s v e r s u s their opponents. W h i l e t h e G u y a n e s e s h o u l d l o o k t o t a k e advantage of the fact that apart from the big three, no
Vanessa Watts, Neisha-Ann
Har vey shines again
Welcome, Celina Whyte and Nation could also look to build on their success with the ball for Jamaica. Trinidad and Tobago will also look to rebound from their loss when they face L e e w a r d I s l a n d s , w h i l e Barbados aim to make it 2-0 when they face off against Windward Islands as part of today’s second round of games, which bowls off from 10:00h respectively
as young boxers battle at Pepsi/Michael Parris U16 Championships
It was another action-packed day at the Pepsi-sponsored Michael Parris U16 Boxing Championship, held over the weekend at the A n d r e w ‘ S i x H e a d ’ L e w i s G y m i n Albouystown.
Young pugilists from various gyms stepped into the ring, trading leather in a showcase of emerging talent by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA).
Among the standouts was Ken Harvey of Andrew Lewis Gym (ALG), who once again proved his dominance, picking up an impressive win over Josiah Thambaram, forcing the Referee to stop the contest.
His performance earned him the Best B o x e r a w a r d , m a k i n g i t t h e s e c o n d consecutive time he has claimed the honour after winning it in last month’s inaugural edition for 2025.
Harvey’s impressive form is a promising sign as he prepares to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Championships this weekend in St. Lucia.
The night began with an unfortunate withdrawal in Bout #1, as Aaron Fileen of the Vergenoegen Boxing Gym (VBG) was unable to face Junior Madray (ALG).
However, the remaining bouts delivered excitement and intensity
In Bout #2 (42-45kg), Isiah Ashby (ALG) overwhelmed Rose Hall Jammers’ Jiroeh Mannie (RHJ), forcing the referee to stop the
contest. The trend continued in Bout #5 (5357kg) when Lennox Lawrence (ALG) proved too much for Cort Mahase.
Isiah Nurse (RHJ) added to the stoppage streak, taking down Saheed Giddens (RHJ) in Bout #6 (52-55kg).
Other notable victories included Jadon F i l e e n ( V B G ) , w h o o u t p o i n t e d K e v i n Johnson (ALG) in Bout #3 (48-51kg), as well as Ronaldo Hunte’s (ALG) win secured over Nicholas Cameron (RHJ) in Bout #8 (656 9 k g ) J o f e s J a c k s o n d e f e a t e d C h a k a Stephens (ALG) in Bout #10 (74-77kg) on points.
A particularly tough battle unfolded in Bout #9 (67-70kg) between Simeon Haymer (ALG) and Jeremiah Aurthur (RHJ), with their battle ending with Haymer winning via Unanimous Decision.
Andrew Lewis Gym once again stamped its authority on the tournament, taking home the Best Gym award after several impressive victories.
With Harvey leading the charge, ALG continues to showcase some of Guyana’s most promising young boxing talent.
As the dust settles on another thrilling day of youth boxing, all eyes now turn to the Caribbean Championships in St. Lucia, where Harvey and his teammates will look to carry their momentum onto the regional stage.
Dottin’s 26 in vain as Delhi Capitals Women hand
Gujarat Giants Women third loss in four games in WPL
M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday
G
w e r e restricted to 127-9 from their 20 overs after being put in to bat by Capitals skipper Meg Lanning.
Bharti Fulmali was the top scorer with 40* off 29 b
n contributed 26 off 24 balls in support.
Pacers Marizanne Kapp a n d S h i k h a P a n d e y w e r e terrific with the ball with 217 and 2-18 from four overs and three overs, respectively,
snared 2-20 from her four overs of pace as well.
The Giants are currently last in the points standings
Deandra Dottin is bowled during her knock.
G i a n t s Women fell to their third loss in four games after suffering defeat at the hands of the Delhi Capitals Women by six wickets in Women’s Premier League (WPL) action at the
The Capitals then needed only 15.1 overs to reach 1314 thanks to 61* off 32 balls from player of the match Jess Jonassen and 44 off 27 balls at the top of the innings from hard-hitting Shafali Verma. Medium pacer Kashvee Gautam took 2-26 from her four overs.
Chanderpaul returns to Guyana Harpy Eagles Squad ahead of 4th Round Clash versus Scorpions
Guyana Harpy Eagles opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul makes a return to the squad ahead of the 4th round match of the Cricket
We s t I n d i e s ( C W I ) R e g i o n a l 4 - D a y Championships. The team sees the return of o p e n e r C h a n d e r p a u l w h o m i s s e d t h e previous round because of injury. With Chanderpaul back in the set up the Harpy Eagles now have great depth in their batting line-up.
In-form batsman and Captain Tevin Imlach alongside deputy Kemol Savory will continue to lead the team on-field, as they
T( B C B ) i s extending congratulations to the eight female cricketers that have been selected and are representing Guyana in the ongoing senior female
competition.
e cricketers are West Indies players, while others have represented Guyana.
look to remain atop the points table.
The defending champs got off to a solid start during the first three rounds at home, gaining adequate momentum needed for their journey on the road, which bowls off March 5 at Sabina Park, Jamaica.
Guyana Harpy Eagles 4-Day Squad: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Matthew Nandu, Kevlon Anderson, Tevin Imlach, Kemol
Savory, Kevin Sinclair, Ronaldo AliMohamed, Veerasmmy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Nail Smith, Thaddeus Lovell, Richie Looknauth and Raymond Perez.
igner Ashmini Munisar is the Vice-Captain.
competition, which was also slated to be played, was not due to inclement weather (Samuel Whyte) S
Plaffiana Millington.
‘Complete overhaul’: what went wrong for Pakistan in Champions Trophy
AFP - Title-holders and hosts Pakistan crashed out in
the group phase of the
C h a m p i o n s Tr o p h y a f t e r losing to New Zealand and arch-rivals India.
They still have a match to play, against Bangladesh on
T h u r s d a y , b u t t h e i r tournament is over — a disappointing end to their first hosting of a major international cricket event in three decades.
A F P S p o r t l o o k s a t where it all went wrong for Mohammad Rizwan’s men in the 50-over tournament:
- Uncertain build-upRizwan was appointed
w h i t e - b a l l s k i p p e r i n October last year and led Pakistan to an impressive 21 O D I w i n o v e r w o r l d champions Australia — their first series victory in 22 years in the country
T h e y a l s o w o n i n Zimbabwe and inflicted on South Africa their first home
scoreline.
instead chose only one in Abrar Ahmed.
left-hander failed to recover To add to
eam’s woes, fellow opener
Fakhar Zaman was ruled
o u t o f t h e r e s t o f t h e
tournament after the first
match a 60-run defeat to New Zealand — with a muscle injury
P a k i s t a n ’ s m u c h -
v a u n t e d p a c e a t t a c k o f
S h a h e e n A f r i d i , N a s e e m
Shah and Haris Rauf rested from the Test series
t o k e e p t h e m f resh looked rusty and failed to control the death overs.
- Poor squad selection -
P a k i s t a n s e l e c t
Pakistan also erred by
opener and took the risky step of promoting out-ofform Babar Azam to partner Zaman.
When Zaman was ruled out they brought in Imam-ulHaq as a replacement. He made just 10 as Pakistan
wickets.
In a surprise move they included in the squad allr o u n d e
K h u
h d i
a n d Faheem Ashraf on the basis of their performances in
B a n g l a d e s h ’s Tw
league.
Ashraf had not played an
nd Khushdil for three.
Former Pakistan captain and television pundit Rashid Latif called it a “political selection”, blaming outside influence.
- Old-style cricketFormer Pakistan captain
Pakistan of playing outdated cricket.
“In 2025 Pakistan was playing the cricket style of the 1980s and 1990s while other teams had progressed well to adopt an aggressive and modern style,” he told AFP
“The ailment of playing too many dot balls also hurt our game.”
Pakistan played 152 dot balls against India in scoring 241 in 49.4 overs, including a record 28 balls with no
scores in the first six overs.
Their total of 260 in 47.2 overs in the defeat to New Zealand had 162 dot balls.
“The mindset of Pakistan players does not match with modern-day cricket,” said Afridi.
“We need a complete overhaul of the system so that we can produce players with an aggressive mindset.”
Australia-SA match abandoned after relentless rain in Rawalpindi
E S P N c r i c i n f o - T h e
m u c h - a n t i c i p a t e d
Champions Trophy match between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi was washed out without even a toss, nevermind a ball being b o w l e d , a
drizzle.
The match was called off at 5.10pm local time, three hours and 10 minutes after the scheduled start of play at 2pm and two hours and 22 minutes before the cut off time for a 20-over game, 7.32pm, local time. This was due to be the teams’ first meeting at a Champions Trophy T h e
Australia and South Africa w i n t h e
m a t c h e s , a g a i n s t Afghanistan and England
r e s p e c t
y, t h e y w
progress to the semi-finals. Tomorrow’s match between England and Afghanistan is a knockout, with the loser
competition. The winner will
It was all rather wet and gloomy in Rawalpindi. (ICC/Getty Images)
through to the semis. As a result, one of the matches between Australia and Afghanistan on Friday
England on Saturday could
Afghanistan have to win both their matches to qualify for the final four With no XIs named for
this encounter, South Africa kept their cards close to their chest on Heinrich Klaasen’s availability He missed their opening match against Afghanistan with an elbow injury and now has three more days to recover before the game against England on Saturday
This was due to be the f
r s t m e e t i n g b
t w e e n Australia and South Africa since the 2023 ODI World
C u p s e m i - f i n a l , w h i c h Australia won and means that they continue to have the advantage over South Africa in ICC events.
I n n i n e m a t c h e s , Australia have won four, South Africa three, there was a tie at the 1999 World Cup and now, their first washout. If the two sides are to meet again at this event, it will have to be in the final.
R e s u l t : M a t c h a b a n d o n e d d u e t o r a i n Australia vs South Africa.
Galatasaray accuse Mourinho of making ‘racist statements’
BBC Sport - Galatasaray said they would “initiate c r i m i n a l p r o c e e d i n g s ” against Fenerbahce manager
J o s e M o u r i n h o a f t e r claiming he made “racist statements” following the teams’ 0-0 draw on Monday It was not clear which statements Galatasaray were referring to.
Speaking in the news conference after the Istanbul derby, Mourinho said the h o m e b e n c h h a d b e e n “jumping like monkeys” and also repeated his criticism of Turkish referees, saying it would have been a “disaster” to use an official from the country
M o n d a y ’s m a t c h w a s r e f e r e e d b y S l o v e n i a n Slavko Vincic after both clubs requested a foreign official take charge of the fixture.
As well as the threat of legal action, Galatasaray s a i d t h e y w o u l d s u b m i t “ o f f i c i a l c o m p l a i n t s ” t o football’s governing bodies.
A f t e r t h e g a m e Mourinho was asked about the performance of 19-yearold defender Yusuf Akcicek and said: “I have to thank the referee.
After the big dive in the first minute and their bench
Jose Mourinho - a former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenhammanager -was appointed Fenerbahce boss in 2024. (Getty Images)
jumping like monkeys on the top of the kid... with a Turkish referee you would have a yellow card after one m i n u t e a n d a f t e r f i v e minutes I would have to change him.”
He added: “I went to the referee’s dressing room after the game, of course the fourth official was there, a Turkish referee. I told him ‘thank you for coming here, you come for a big match’ and I turned myself to the fourth official and I said ‘if you were a referee this match would be a disaster ’.”
I
Galatasaray said: “Since the c o m
s managerial duties in Turkey, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people.
Today, his discourse has
u
rhetoric.
“
initiate criminal proceedings
c
statements made by Jose M o u r i n h o , a n d s h a l l accordingly submit official complaints to Uefa and Fifa.
“Furthermore, we shall diligently observe the stance adopted by Fenerbahce - an i n s t i t u t i o n p r o f e s s i n g t o uphold ‘exemplary moral values’ - in response to the r e p r e h e n s i b l e c o n d u c t exhibited by their manager.”
On Tuesday Fenerbahce released a statement saying Mourinho’s comments had b e e n t a k e n “ c o m p l e t e l y taken out of context”.
“ A s e v e r y s e n s i b l e p e r s o n c a n s e e a n d understand, these statements
used by Jose Mourinho to d e s c r i b e t h e e x c e s s i v e reaction of the opposing team’s technical staff to the referee decisions during the match can in no way be associated with racism,” the club said.
“Trying to portray this statement as racist is a c o m p l e t e l y m a l i c i o u s approach.
“We would like to inform the public that we will use our legal rights regarding this pathetic slander that was made in order to take the competition off the field, c h a n g e t h e a g e n d a a n d manipulate it.” Tw
League winner Mourinho, 6
summer and was banned and fined earlier this season for c
standards in Turkey Before Monday’s game
decision to use
foreign
y describing the environment in the country as “toxic”.
“I think it’s important for the credibility, for the image of the match,” Mourinho said.
BBC Sport has contacted Fenerbahce for comment.
Young Reggae Girlz fall shor t of Concacaf
Women’s U-20
SportsMax - Jamaica’s young Reggae Girlz failed to
a d v a n c e t o t h e 2 0 2 5 Concacaf Women’s Under20 Championship after a 1-1
G r o u p D q u a l i f y i n g encounter at the Estadio
N a c i o n a l d e F ú t b o l i n Managua on Monday
Needing a win to top the group and secure the lone
q u a l i f i c a t i o n s p o t , t h e Jamaicans took a 1-0 lead through Andrene Smith in the 44th minute. However, their hopes were dashed w
c e d o n g
difference as both teams ended on seven points.
M e a n w h i l e , S a i n t Vincent and the Grenadines
secured a 1-0 win over Saint Kitts and Nevis courtesy of Stephanie Hunte’s stoppagetime strike in the other group contest of academic interest.
T h e f i n a l r o u n d o f qualifiers also saw Puerto Rico and Costa Rica claim
t h e i r p l a c e s i n t h e Championship round, where they will continue their pursuit of a spot at the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup. Puerto Rico finished tops in Group B after a 2-2 stalemate with El Salvador
i n t h e i r t o p - o f - t h e - t a b l e c l a s h A s h l e y M c M a h o n (28th) and Analisse Cheema (36th) got Puerto Rico’s, w h i l e A n g i e A l v a r e n g a ( 7 3 r d ) a n d S a r i n a Vi l l a (80th) responded for El Salvador Despite the draw, Puerto Rico advanced on goal difference.
Championship spot
I n t h e o t h e r g r o u p fixture, Honduras blanked the U.S. Virgin Islands 7-0. They were led by a hat-trick from Allanys Santos (16th, 40th, 83rd), while Anyeli R o d r i g u e z ( 5 7 t h , 6 0 t h ) , Yensi Ferrera (48th), and Karla Gomez (86th) also scored.
Over in Group F, Costa Rica, through goals from Alondra Gonzalez (57th), Stacy Thomas (68th), and S h e i k a S c o t t ( 9 0 + 1 ) , blanked Guatemala 3-0 at A t o B o l d o n S t a d i u m i n C o u v a , T r i n i d a d a n d Tobago.
Earlier, Zyana Rogers’ 59th-minute strike propelled Aruba to a 1-0 win over Cayman Islands to ensure
t h e y e n d e d t h e i r f a i l e d campaign with the solitary win.
Jamaica’s young Reggae Girlz failed to advance to the 2025 Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship.
Bahamas clinch FIBA AmeriCup spot despite loss to USA
S p o r t s M a x - T h e
Bahamas secured a spot in the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup d e s p i t e c l o s i n g t h e i r qualification campaign with a 105-83 loss to Group D winners, the United States, at S i r K e n d a l I s a a c s Gymnasium in Nassau on Sunday night.
Nassir Little, with 16 points and seven rebounds, and Javonte Smart, who also had 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists, led the way f o r t h e A m e r i c a n s R o n Baker (11 points, seven blocks), Jaylen Nowell (15 p o i n t s ) , a n d J a h m i u s Ramsey (11 points) also contributed to the win.
M e a n w h i l e , D o m i n i c Bridgewater, with 19 points (8-for-19 shooting), was the s t a n d o u t p l a y e r f o r t h e Bahamas. Franco Miller (18 p o i n t s , 4 a s s i s t s ) a n d Lathaniel Bastian (10 points, 9 rebounds) were the other noteworthy contributors. With a 5-1 record, the USA topped Group D and h e a d s i n t o t h e F I B A AmeriCup as one of the tournament favorites, while the Bahamas and Puerto Rico will be hoping to improve their quality of play to give a good account at the m u c h - a n t i c i p a t e d tournament.
The Bahamians, along with Puerto Rico, joined the United States in progressing t o t h e F I B A A m e r i C u p Tournament, set for August 23-31 in Nicaragua, after Cuba forfeited their final contest against Puerto Rico o n M o n d a y I t w a s a n impressive performance on the road for the Americans, who led for all but 49 seconds of the first quarter before taking control in the second period With the Bahamas cutting the deficit to 28-27, the USA responded with an 8-0 run before another 7-0 surge pushed their lead to double digits at 45-33. The Bahamas never recovered from there, as they u l t i m a t e l y f a i l e d t o g e t within 11 points for the remainder of the game.
Bahamas and United States in action. (Photo: FIBA Americas)
Avinash Persaud Shines at Ansa McAL Pre-Mash Golf Tournament
The Lusignan Golf Club
( L G C ) w a s a b u z z w i t h anticipation as golfers and spectators gathered for the prestigious Ansa McAL PreMash Golf Tournament. This annual event, a cornerstone in the local golfing calendar,
o n c e a g a i n d e l i v e r e d a thrilling spectacle of skill, s p o r t s m a n s h i p , a n d camaraderie.
Seasoned golfer Avinash
a y o f p r e c i s
o n a n d e x p e r t i s e , securing the championship with a Gross 69, Handicap 3, Net 66—a performance that left audiences in awe. His mastery over the greens did not stop there; Persaud also claimed both the Best Gross and Longest Drive awards, f
tournament.
Hot on his heels was Sheldon Davis, who posted a
e G
s s 9 1 , Handicap 24, Net 67, while t h e e v e r - c o n s i s t e n t Bridgelall Harry rounded out the top three with a Gross 83, Handicap 14, Net 69. The competition was fierce, and the tournament proved to be a testament to the depth of t a l e n t w i t h i n G u y a n a ’s golfing fraternity
A d d i n g t o t h e excitement, Patrick Prashad w a s r e c o g n i z e d f o r h i s precision and flair, earning the Nearest to Pin and Best D r e s s e d a c c o l a d e s p r o v i n g t h a t golf is not only a game of skill but also of style and finesse.
LGC President Anasha
Ally expressed profound gratitude to Ansa McAL and all participants, emphasizing the tournament’s role in fostering community spirit and promoting the sport.
“We are immensely grateful to Ansa McAL, especially T r o y C a d o g a n , w h o s e u n w a v e r i n g s u p p o r t continues to elevate our club.
T h i s t o u r n a m e n t i s a celebration of passion and excellence, and we deeply appreciate the dedication of our staff in maintaining the
course in pristine condition.”
Ansa McAL Managing D i r e c t o r T r o y C a d o g a n
echoed these sentiments, underscoring the company’s commitment to developing golf in Guyana “It is truly inspiring to see such a fantastic turnout, particularly with so many new faces embracing the game Ansa McAL remains steadfast in its support of this tournament, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with LGC for many more years to come.”
A s A n s a M c A L
continues to enhance the local golf landscape, it also brings world-class premium spirits to Guyana. Among its most distinguished offerings is Glenmorangie Whiskey, an epitome of craftsmanship a n d s o p h i s t i c a t i o n
R e n o w n e d f o r i t s r i c h , complex flavors and smooth finish, Glenmorangie is the p
i e s o r simply unwinding in style.
E l e v a t e y
experience with
glass of
leading retailers nationwide. As the sun set over the
Lusignan, the Ansa McAL Pre-Mash Golf Tournament once again reaffirmed its reputation as an event that
camaraderie, attracting both seasoned professionals and
Whether a veteran player or a curious observer, there is no better time to experience the magic of golf at Lusignan Golf Club.
Ansa McAL Managing Director Troy Cadogan makes a point during the presentation.
Avinash Persaud (left) emerged as the winner of the event.
Top performers and officials at the presentation after the Ansa McAL Pre-Mash Golf Tournament.
The outstanding boxers at the conclusion of the tournament display their prizes.
Batting will be key for
today against a dangerous Jamaica bowling side.
Har vey shines again as young
boxers battle at Pepsi/Michael Parris U16
Championships
Sir Clive Lloyd pleased with Guyana President Dr. Ir faan Ali’s appointment as new chairman of CARICOM sub-committee on cricket
as 2nd round
Chanderpaul returns to Guyana Harpy Eagles Squad ahead of 4th Round Clash versus Scorpions
Guyana
2025 CWI CG United Super50 Women’s Regional Super50 tournament Round...
